The journey begins...

After weeks of often stressful preparation for this journey we are finally on our way, and boy does it feel good. It occurred to me at dinner that I had nothing to do and no where to be except here in Amsterdam enjoying the city and my family. Finally! After weeks of cleaning, packing, stressing over passports and visas and various other details I can sit and relax.

Our neighborhood in Amsterdam

The plane ride to Amsterdam went amazingly well. All of my anxious worry was for naught - at least thus far. Evan could not have been more thrilled to go to the big, giant airport in Boston and ride a big, giant airplane.

Because of fog our takeoff was delayed by 30 minutes... a very minor inconvenience. As soon as we were allowed to board we got to take an escalator down to the sky walk. This was a tremendous thrill and seemed only to enhance the excitement to come. As soon as Evan was in his seat he started asking: "Now Mommy? Is it time to take off now?"

"Not yet. We have to wait until everyone sits down in their seats and puts on their seat belts."

"OK." .... pause .... "Now Mommy?"

I'm sure he asked us 20 times. When we finally did take off he was very excited - giggling and grinning from ear to ear. It was fun to watch him experience what he had looked forward to for so long. After enjoying his pretzels - one of his favorite treats - Evan settled in to watch a movie. Could life get any better for a three year old? We didn't hear a peep from him until we declared bedtime. He then laid down across the extra seat and slept for about three hours. Could life be any better for Mom and Dad? Eli for his part was also a perfect angel. He has become quite the little busy body. So he fidgeted and chewed and sucked on whatever he could get his hands on, until at last he fell asleep for most of the remainder of the flight - at least 4 hours. And there was no crying.

I was the only one who didn't get any rest, and I was not feeling too hot when we landed. I was consumed with exhaustion, but Evan was ready to take on the world - on just 3 hours of sleep. A good 2.5 hour nap perked us all up, and we hit the town the town running - and I do mean that literally.