In Transit

June 1- we left Travelers Rest at about 12:45pm. Dinah was one unhappy dog. She thinks we’re probably gone for a week or so. Boy is she going to be unhappily surprised. Jama (Jane) drove us to the Charlotte airport. We got there about 3:00pm, checked our bags and got through security with no problems. The boys got a good snack, bagel sandwiches, and we boarded on time and then took off at about 5:10- a few minutes behind schedule, but not bad. The first part of the flight was really turbulent. We then leveled out and they brought drinks and snacks around- you had to buy the snacks though at like movie concession prices so we opted for a couple of cookies we had brought with us and the free drinks. Burke’s iPod battery died within an hour- it is obviously on its way out, since it was fully charged this morning. Josh has the window seat and we’re hoping that we will fly close enough to the Grand Canyon to see it. Lots of clouds though- but we did see lots of crop ‘circles’ from the agriculture in the great plains. We should make it to LAX in time to claim our bags, recheck them through internationally and meet up with the Henry’s for a light dinner before going to board our Auckland flight. I’m hoping the boys will have some energy to write a little during that flight- we shall see. During the plane flight we were served complimentary drinks, I (Josh) got ginger ale and had to use the “Lavatory”(Bathroom). I went twice and the second time I got my fingers stuck in the door. L As I was writing this I was still in pain. I also tried to go to sleep with NO luck. Double L I’m missing Dad and I can’t wait till’ June8th!(To see George Dad)! I say hi to all u peeps readin’ this cause I might not write for a long time will I or will I not. ;D Right now (8:33 eastern standard time) were going over New Mexico and maybe Arizona we might fly over the Grand Canyon too! I am getting a little cramped up in my seat but were seeing some pretty cool stuff outside on some mountains there are big rocks just sticking out of the ground and it is very barren it Is very flat and were also seeing awesome cloud formations out the window. At 8:51 eastern time we saw the Grand Canyon! We also took pictures! I didn’t know I was going to see the Grand Canyon on this trip but we did, it was interesting how flat it was and then… BOOM! It dropped drastically down to the bottom. We started watching the Lord of the Rings 3 Return of the King and no surprise we didn’t finish the 4 hour long movie, so I am eager to watch it on my Dads Mac but I have to wait about 7 to 8 days before I see him. Also my favorite game on my iPod requires Wi-Fi so I’m out of luck for the plane rides. I think we might see the Hoover Dam but I think we passed it. Bye!

We made it to LA- had a very expensive dinner ($9 for a grilled cheese- really?). Then onto our plane to Auckland- TV screens, a 'skycouch' and 12.5 hours in close quarters with our loved ones. Made it to Auckland, got a shuttle ride to our hotel and by miracles got into our room- showers then out for adventures around Auckland. More on all that later.