Picture time

Now is the time for all the family pictures...

On Thursday the Otts came to visit, Tadd's aunt and uncle and cousins along with Selah's new little cousin China Estelle.

Brooks playing with Selah

Well, the next day Friday we were supposed to say goodbye and our flight was at 6:30 pm. First our flight was delayed followed by taxing on the runway, proceeded by being told that the Atlanta airport was delayed and each airplane was given a number when they could land - ours was 2 hrs. and 15 minutes later, so we were told we were going to have to exit the airplane and wait to board at a later time. We knew we were in trouble at that time. We were told we may arrive in Illinois around 3 am or later. Well, I am prepared, but I wasn't that prepared. We of course did not have enough formula to last that long in my carryon and needed to get it out of our suitcase, which was still underneath the plane. A serviceman went to look for our bags. Then we heard someone at the gate tell us to look out the window...and this is how it went from there....

there a man was holding up a tiny pink bag..."this it?"...uh no?! "it's the biggest pink bag possible!", "yes! that is it!"

Then another passenger saw what happened and asked if she could get her bags too. The lady then announced in a loud annoyed voice over the speaker "no one is allowed to get there bags we only let THESE people do it because they needed formula for their baby and we don't sell it at the airport!"

Yes, it was a little embarrasing, but we survived. Our flight later got completely cancelled due to the airport shutting down in Atlanta because of hail and tornados. Luckily Tadd's mom and sister came and picked us up and his family let us stay with them for the night and brought us back in the morning. It was quite the experience, Selah did very well considering the cirumstances. We were blessed with a flight the next morning to Chicago Midway and after getting a rental car we were finally heading home.

It was a great vacation, one filled with many memories. Some sad, some happy. We stayed at the same house as last year, the one that was first meant for Laynie. And seeing Selah enjoy the beach and pool this year made me miss my other baby. The one that wasn't able to enjoy all the little joys of life, whose life was taken sooner than we would have liked. Her birthday is coming up, she would have been 2 this year...April 30th. Hopefully we can have a "birthday party" for her this year and cherish the fact that she is in heaven swimming with angels and soaking in the light of the Savior. She has no need for this earthly sun because our Savior is shining so brightly. I imagine her with her sunglasses, laughing and loving each moment waiting for Selah and us to join her! But until then we continue to soak in all of God's blessings for us with Selah. To whom much is given, much is required...