Home in one piece

The weekend weather was far from cooperative. We awoke Saturday to a steady pounding of rain. Sunday wasn't much brighter. The students took the opportunity to visit the Porsche Museum, The Mercedes Museum, Wassen (Stuttgarts smaller but no less crazy form of Octoberfest), Lake of Constance, Heidelberg, Stuttgart etc. some stayed home and hung out in traditional teenage form. Others visited with their families - meeting brothers grandparents and the like. There was plenty more shopping and even another round or two of bowling. The adventure park got a work out as did  the swimming pools. A good weekend was had by all.

This morning we met at 630- or in terms you may better understand, 12:30am to begin our travels. The students tearfully said their goodbyes - Lyl and Jessica I think being the most tearful. We pushed off at 7 watching our German partners waving American flags farewell.

Our flight was to depart at 930 which left us a very short window to make it to the airport and check in process.  Our calculations did not include traffic! UGH. We made it to the airport just after 8 - with an hour and half to check in before an international flight, we kept our fingers crossed that there would be no hiccups. Fortunately, only Austin's bag was overweight, and only Cammi and Duggan were caught in extra security pat downs.  Otherwise a few bottles of spray were snagged but we made it to our gate by 8:30 with our boarding time scheduled for 8:45.

The flight home was long. Less turbulence than on the way over - But the kids were tired and dehydrated and headaches took over the rear of the plane. We had little incident at border control and customs, all bags were collected and we caught our bus and headed back to reality.  We arrived at 5 pm and the students were swept back to their rightful homes.

One of the things that always gets to me about this day is the range of emotions the kids go through.  It begins with tears of not wanting to leave but during the travel process, they all switch gears and begin looking forward to all the things they missed.  Moms, Dogs, Hearing Spanish, Beds, Rice and Beans, the list goes on and on. This years group was no exception.