Here we are at home.  It feels like so long since I've been here.  I missed my Danny terribly, and so did Eddy.  Eddy scarcely spoke a word Wednesday that didn't involve seeing Daddy =)  How special it was to walk out of the airport and see Danny's face once again.   Eddy always gets loud when he's excited, so every head on the sidewalk turned when Eddy and Daddy were reunited.

The Van Dyke sibling camping trip ended in a delightfully different dinner at a French Basque restaurant, from which everyone got home late and tired.  Wednesday was spent sleeping in, packing, visiting the Woodfields again, then driving the beautiful road straight westward to the San Francisco International Airport, Nicki at the wheel.  Over each mountain pass the air became 10 degrees cooler and more humid, starting with an arid 90 degrees and ending with a balmy 60 at the bay.  Along the way we saw many orchards, then deserts, then dry mountain peaks, each one capped with scores of very old windmill generators.  Soon there was a train railing along by us with commuters to the city, then the roads became larger and busier until we found ourselves skimming just over the water on a six-lane low bridge.  The bridge was several miles long and rose gradually until we were flying way over the water, with a grand view of Oakland and the cloud that covered up San Fran. On to the airport.

Goodbyes and hugs and into the most beautifully constructed airport I'd ever seen.  Towering high ceilings hosted 3-story windows of the plane yard, giant tile murals, and framed paintings.  3rd floor balconies with seating by the windows also overlooked all the gates, which were nestled in below, on the 2nd floor.

Both in good spirits after a relaxing car ride and good lunch, Eddy and I were easily able to cope with the airport pressures, thanks to the help of the amazingly accommodating airport staff (waiving the baggage fee to check our bags, carrying our carseat on the plane for us, and other kind gestures) With snacks and the ability to give Eddy freedom because of the placement of the gate, both our moods stayed elevated all the way on board.  But nothing kept us from missing "daddy".

There were several upsets on the plane as the night grew later and Eddy grew ornery, but no earaches, and no more than I could handle with grace without dampening my evening in the least.  Then we descended.   Then we landed.  Then we taxied.  Then we parked.  Then everyone stood.  Then the doors opened.  Then we packed our bags and car seat.  Then we filed out.  And we were free!  We were IN Minnesota, our hearts racing to see the one we loved the most.  Through the maze, down to the baggage claim, we searched all over the room...but no Danny.  Where could he be?

A quick phone call and some confused conversation and the mystery was revealed: "He's outside in the car!  Let's go."  Again the momentum rose as we raced down the sidewalk lined 2 and 3 deep with cars loading and unloading until, second row out, behind a group of passengers, we spotted the BioLawn symbol!   "Daddy!"  Eddy jumped in the front seat to see his Daddy while I ran back to get the bags.  With the bags and stroller loaded and Eddy strapped in, I finally got that hug and kiss I was waiting for.  We were finally here again...finally home.