Early Flight

We were up at 3:00 a.m. this morning getting ready for our first (very early) flight.  The first leg of our journey went smoothly and now we're waiting in the Chicago airport to catch our second flight into Dallas.  To be honest, I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open :)  I just don't function well on 3 hours of sleep any more.... not that I ever have, ha ha ha!

We met another family from our local area on our first flight.  We may not know each other well, but it was still good to see a familiar face.  We'll be looking for them at the conference once we arrive.  We're not sure if any other local families are attending this year.  Even though we haven't been to this conference for the last few years, we're looking forward to meeting old friends and making new.  One of the best things about this event is that you meet so many people, and instantly feel that you've gained some new life-long family members.

When we attended our first conference, we were hopeful about learning more about our amazing daughter, but were unprepared for the inspiring people we would meet.  I cannot possibly put into words the overwhelming feeling of belonging, of hope, of reassurance, and acceptance, and of wonder that we felt when attending for the first time.  We were immediately hooked and will attend whenever we can manage it. 

We have attended by ourselves, and we have taken the kids with us, depending upon the area and what may be of interest for the kids.  We took them when it was at Disney World (of course!), and also when it was in Washington (they loved the Smithsonian). 

This amazing Family that our daughter brought us to has opened up opportunities for us in multiple facets of our lives, and helped us to make so, so many positive connections.  I am missing her and our other 3 already, although I know that she's having fun at school right now, and that Grama & Aunt Wendy  and her best-big-sister-ever have some fun planned for the next couple days.  Then she gets to party with her other Grandma and cousins.  I think she'll be too busy to miss us much!