Number Three Flies the Coup!

Pin designed by
Maggie and Justine

Sitting here at home tracking Maggie's flight from Phoenix to Philly.  Oops, she just landed!  Amazing technology.  On the internet go to www.flightstats.com and you can follow flights in real time as they wing their way through the skies.  We had a great "Family" day yesterday.  Dedicated the day to making sure Moe had everything she needed for the trip.  We picked up her exchange pins (they are really cool) and the Rotarian whose business made them would not let us pay.  Said it was their way of supporting Maggie.  What a wonderful gesture.  Maggie and Justine (our latest Belgian daughter) put their heads together and designed the pin (at left).  It is a heart with the flags of the US and Belgique, along with her name, town , and her home and hosting Rotary Districts.  Very sweet!

With Mango just before she walked through
Security and headed for Belgique!

Last night we stayed at a motel in Reno near the airport since Moe's flight departed at around 6:00 am.  We watched one last movie together in the room, then woke up about 4:00 o'clock to get ready and go.  It was strange saying goodbye to Mango.  On the one hand I am so, so proud of her.  I know this exchange will be the experience of a lifetime for her.  On the other, it is hard to say goodbye to my daughter who has been such a huge part of my life's focus for the last eighteen years.  We all held it together pretty well.  A nice security guard took our picture at the entrance to airport security.  If  you blow it up you will see some teary eyes.

So after Maggs left us, we went back to the motel, had a little "traveler's breakfast," then fell back into our "racks" and slept 'till a little after nine.  We ran a few quick errands, then turned the truck back towards home.

We all feel a bit out of sorts.  As Lucy said, "it is weird that Maggie is gone to Europe.....why couldn't she have just gone to college!!"  Maggie, if you are reading this remember: No English!  You aren't there to help your hosts brush up their skills.  Hang in there Baby!  The best things in life are the hardest things!!

That's All!