Thursday morning we said our official goodbye to Massachusetts & the three of us began the first leg of our journey across the Atlantic Ocean... our seven {s-e-v-e-n, 7} hour car ride to Baltimore, Maryland.
Traveling minivan style. When we arrived at the airport in Boston they informed us they did not currently have any mid-size SUVs and asked if we would be interested in a minivan. They offered to wave the gas fee & told us we could pick out any model we wanted. This ended up being a huge blessing as we were easily able to fit all of our luggage, Chewy's kennel & still have plenty of room for Chewy. The van also had some fun features like Satellite Radio and a DVD player that we took advantage of on our rainy Saturday afternoon in between checking out of our hotel & checking in at the airport.
Expert packer status. Every inch counts.
Along the way we made a quick, unplanned, surprise pit-stop in Pennsylvania at my sister & brother-in-laws house so Daniel could meet our precious niece whom he had not yet gotten to meet. THANK YOU to both Sarah & Matt for letting us crash & for waking up your kiddos so we could love on them. To our other PA family, we are so sorry we couldn't stop & see you all - we love you all! Next trip!! ...or maybe in Germany?!
Baltimore Skyline.
My favorite tourist companion.
To get from where we were in Baltimore to Fort McHenry, we took a water taxi. Both of our first times in a water taxi.
Having neighbors in Massachusetts {Whom we are desperately going to miss, both as neighbors & FRIENDS. The bar has been set.} who used to live in Maryland came in handy when we needed some tourist advice. Upon their recommendation we decided to visit Fort McHenry {as well as some delicious places to eat}.
Fort McHenry is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy in Chesapeake Bay.
The inside of the fort where over 1,000 people lived.
The main entrance to the fort.
My strong man.
During the bombardment of the fort, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Friday evening two dear friends who live in York, PA drove to Baltimore to see us one last time before the big move. We enjoyed a delicious dinner & great conversation at one of our favorite places, P.F. Chang's.
Didn't manage to get one of the boys, but so grateful to have gotten to spend the time with you both!
After spending almost two days in Baltimore sightseeing & relaxing, we checked out of yet another hotel along this journey, reloaded the rental car & headed to the airport.
Two adults, one chocolate lab, five suitcases, two carry-ons, and one kennel later we were ready to check-in.
Oh so thankful for the invention of the luggage cart.
We arrived at the AMC Terminal in the Baltimore Washington International Airport, returned our rental car and checked in. After waiting until the final call we checked Chewy in with all the other pets flying & proceeded through security to our gate.
About to board our flight to Germany, but first... let me take a selfie.
After successfully boarding our midnight flight Daniel & I both tried to sleep as much as we could, dosing in & out, rotating pillows & resituating blankets. So grateful for such a comfortable traveling buddy who lets me sleep on this shoulder.
Seven and a half hours later, we arrived safe & sound in country. Some of Daniel's co-workers met us at the terminal, helped us with our baggage & showed us to the Ramstein Inn. After checking into lodging & unloading all of our bags, one of them kindly drove us to the commissary on base where we were able to pick up some food for the week & other essentials. Tired & slightly dazed from the trip & time zone change, we returned to our room. Realizing we hadn't eaten since dinner the day before {Chick-Fil-A obviously! ...a great "last meal" in the United States} we popped in a frozen pizza, plugged in our dead cell phones using converters and, after inhaling a few pieces each, happily climbed into bed & quickly fell asleep.
THANK YOU for ALL the prayers & support. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts & prayers as we continue to transition. In the coming days, specifically as Daniel completes his in-processing today & tomorrow and we begin house-hunting on Wednesday. In addition that I would have peace and confidence {& success} in finding a job.
