Arrival

NOTE: As you can see, I have not been the most diligent blogger. However, I’ve decided this would be the best way to keep folks informed of our journey. It may generally be in chronological order. Or it may not. Initial postings will be focused on timeliness and quick impressions. Edits, deeper discussion, and the profound will happen in revisions. 

The date of departure, 27-August, for our European trip finally arrived. Getting from DFW to MAD has been on our mind for over a year. Beyond the tourism, we had a special family member we needed to see. What was not on our mind? The 7 hr time zone difference and our 10 hr flight. See how excited we are?

Well, as we were en route, all of us realized something crucial. Airlines must believe passengers have no legs. Yup. The discomfort was nontrivial. None of us slept. 

However, when we landed and went through the immediate rituals of deplaning, customs, and acquiring our luggage, our thoughts turned to the rendezvous with Nora, Clara, and Daniel. 

And then Clara reminded us why we’re here. 

What do you get when a bright, precocious, outgoing child meets a kind, welcoming, generous soul? This. 

Also, here is Nora following her boyfriend Daniel with her daughter Clara thrilled to finally meet Aunt Andrea and “Great Aunt” Sandra. 

Last, but not least, this journey will be accompanied by Mabel the duck and Doug the dog. Here they are waiting for us to finish packing.