Leavin on a Jet Plane...

The first leg of our journey is now complete and we have finally arrived at our destination, Washington D.C. At last count, we were 16 students and 8 adults, and 23 bags. Mrs. Amy wins the prize for the adult with the smallest suitcase! It has been a very exciting start to a wonderful trip. Upon arrival at the airport, we checked in our 23 suitcases and found a comfortable spot to hang out with the parents who brought us before we entered security. Everyone was briefed on security procedure and we walked through security without incident. The airplane was waiting for us when we arrived so we knew that the yucky weather would not delay us. Gotta luv Southwest Airlines!! There were a few tears as fears were resolved and everyone entered the airplane and found a seat together. Many of our students have never flown before so taking off was very exciting. There were squeals and cheers as we went up into the air. As chaperones, we were concerned that those around us would be disturbed, but we actually had an older couple tell us at the end of the flight that we had extremely well behaved students. Go Mrs. Tisha!!! There was some turbulence at the end of the flight and I think a few students left with white knuckles, but all had smiles on while exiting the plane. The baggage claim turned out to be a challenge when only 22 of our 23 bags were retrieved. Adam's little bag appeared to be stuck with some other baggage and it took awhile to get the machine operational again. Then we were off in our three big vans to the hotel. The hotel is HUGE and very exciting. There is a waterfall with Koi fish in it's pond and a big self revolving door. Both are fascinating to this group. We had pizza delivered to the hotel so we could all eat together before going up to our rooms. Our rooms are spacious, but with 6 people, we do wish we had two bathrooms. Thank God for Lysol! Tomorrow is an early day starting with a visit with Senator David Vitter.