Day 1: We have ARRIVED!

It was a long day of traveling, but we thankfully made it to our destination despite the very rocky start. 

We arrived 2 hours early to the airport. Nana Judy and Popi Dave arrived just as we were pulling into the departures drop off with the rest of our luggage like clockwork. A couple helpful airport employees assisted us to the check-in with our 5 suitcases and one big box with Aria's wheelchair. It was smooth sailing...and then the problems started. 

Check-in took much longer than expected since all of us (but Shane) were flying on a one-way ticket. We hadn't booked our return flight since we didn't know when we'd be returning. The ticketing agent, after checking with his colleagues and taking a close look at our Colombian visas finally let us check our bags. 

The TSA Cares agent who was supposed to assist us through security never called, so we found an airport volunteer to help. But he didn't have the authority to help us navigate to the shorter lines so we instead stood in the long standard line to get through security. It was nearly our turn when I got the call from the TSA Agent. She popped over to assist us and with both her and the volunteer, we got through the hassle of removing shoes, iPads, computers, and liquids and then putting everything back with ease. BUT that's where the real trouble started. 

For some reason, Aria's calcium and magnesium powder was triggering a flag. It's not unusual for them to take extra time testing Aria's medications or foods when we travel. And at times, one parent has to be patted down. I volunteered Shane, and he happily obliged. But then Shane's phone and hands triggered the same flag. Now we had to waited for more TSA agents to re-test and re-scan and re-search and re-pat down. It took so long we didn't know if we'd make our flight.

Finally they allowed us to pass through security, and we made a mad dash all the way down to our gate. We were nearly the last to board, but we made it!!

Thankfully the rest of our trip was uneventful. We arrived to Atlanta on-time, grabbed lunch at Fridays, and boarded our plane to Bogota. 

The kids did an amazing job on the plane and before we knew it, we were landing in Bogota. 

Customs and baggage were a breeze and we headed off to find our driver. I had mentioned that we'd be needing a very large vehicle due to our large party of 6 plus all our baggage, but I guess they didn't quite understand. We quickly realized there was no way our suitcases would all fit, so they quickly arranged for a second vehicle to pick up our belongings. With so much baggage and so many moves during our stay, it is going to be quite the headache, but we will figure it out.

For now, we are all settled into the Marriott Courtyard near the airport and everyone is fast asleep. Tomorrow my mom arrives and we will have our virtual meeting with ICBF in Tunja.