Go time

  June 20th, 2012. The day we had been counting down to had finally arrived. Sometimes things happen that put everything in perspective. With a new outlook on our move I was surprisingly happy all day and didn't feel weighed down by the enormity of our move. I was excited to be in the same time zone, on the same day as my husband, & starting this adventure as a family. Grandma had a gift for each kid. A special books for each of them that she recorded her voice reading. Nicole and crew stopped by to see us right before we left for the airport.  She brought each of the kids so activities to keep them busy on the trip.
  It took 2 cars to get everyone and our luggage to the airport. And as we unloaded, people stopped and watched us. It was becoming a recurring theme with this move. 15 pieces of luggage, 4 carry ons, 1 stroller, 3 kids, 2 teenagers, & 4 adults! As they started weighing our luggage the suitcases were all within the weight limit. The boxes...a little over. Thankfully the kind gentlemen that were helping us check in didn't charge us for the overage. We hung out in the airport restaurant, had a beverage to help calm all the nerves, Papa took the kids for a last minute candy trip (I blame him for introducing them to vending machines.) Then it was go time!
  I am not big on long goodbyes. Hugs and kisses all around and thru security we went. The kids were troopers and really excited to see the plane. PIA-DFW-BNE. The flights were uneventful. MA loved having her own TV on the big plane. DB watched quite a bit too. EL wanted to be everywhere- on her seat, on my lap, with daddy. MA passes out before dinner was served. The hubs was smart and ordered kids meals. There food was better than our meals. Everyone got a few hours of sleep but were ready to get off the plane in Australia and see our new home.
  Now this was the one part of the whole trip that was making me nervous. 1st getting thru security with all our luggage and 2nd getting cleared thru customs. I had read about what food was allowed and not allowed but until you are there and the dogs are sniffing your luggage you just never know. We obviously declared we were bringing food so they asked a few questions and let us go on our way. There were several kind people that helped us push/pull carts and luggage thru the airport.
  Matt loaded up a taxi with the luggage and the kids and I headed to the train to catch it to the city where the hotel was located. The kids loved the train ride! And the hubs was waiting for us at the train station when we arrived!
  The Brisbane Marriott is amazing. Super nice staff. We put our boxes in the their storage rooms and headed up to take a nap.

A quick nap before we head to the airport

Time to load up

 On the BIG airplane

We have arrived.