Missy has already sufficiently pictured this event on her website
(I can't think of better words) and her pictures are here.
She is right.
The reunion at Uncle Jim’s Windham house was truly a blast. Complete with games, swimming, quading, paddle boating, music, dancing, fireworks (I guess, only Maarten didn’t appreciate this part), a roasted pig, booze and striptease (Maarten kicking off his shoes and clothes several times).
You can’t tell from the hazy PICTURES but it was really very hot and humid. This is supposed to be typical summer weather in this area. A huge difference compared to ‘our’ Bay Area home.
The whole weekend seems to be just perfect.
Even though there was a disappointment, unfortunately quite an important one.
Our trip!
First, Thursday night we started with a two hour delay. We were upset but as the saying goes, things can always get worse.
On Sunday Uncle Jim was so friendly driving us all the way down to the airport. Despite the unusually heavy traffic, we arrived on time at JFK. While waiting at the gate, Maarten threw this very bad temper tantrum like we’ve never experienced before. He actually never acts this way but due to this tiring trip and several nights partying we shouldn’t have been surprised. I was only worried they may not let us board with him (which happened once to another family).
Then I had no idea that this prediction would come true.
The plane was delayed again. Only half an hour. Nothing to worry about.
After another hour we were still not boarding. Maarten was calm again and asleep in Rob's lap. Then the plane arrived and we finally got aboard. But because of the delay our plane had to wait for clearance for take off.
We patiently waited aboard for a few more hours. Something else was going on. One lady was obviously sick of waiting and demanded to go back to the gate. Even the crew tried to convince her, but she insisted on returning.
To make the awful story short. We returned to the gate and they cancelled our flight that night.
The reason?
‘Sick’ lady?!!! Bad weather?! Not enough fuel to continue???!
We spent several more hours in line to get to Customer Service. At two o’clock Monday morning we had learned that all the Monday flights were already full.
They put us on stand by for an early morning flight to Oakland.
The bad luck finally deserted us when we happily boarded that particular flight to Oakland!
After a not planned round trip Bay Area to get our luggage and car at San Francisco Airport we arrived home all safe on Monday afternoon.
But without our luggage...
PS: Great news!
We don't have to leave the States yet!!!
