From Boston's Logan Airport...

I am currently half way home. I’m sitting here in Boston waiting to catch my flight to Atlanta. I’ve got a root beer in one hand… twizzlers on my knee… and a small bag of cheez-its right here ready to be eaten. Ohhhh….. the wonderful things that you can get in the States!!! I walked around in a little newsstand just laughing to myself at all the things – candy & such – that I had forgotten about. Our travels so far have been good.

The airport in Ireland was so relaxed and quiet. We waited in line for about 3 minutes, and then checked in without any problem. I found the man at the security check in very refreshing. He smiled with a sort of twinkle in his eye and greeted us with a sideways nod/twist of the head. He talked with us and even made a few jokes as he asked where we were going today. He wished us a Merry Christmas and said “God bless” as we walked off. I couldn’t help but smile. How refreshing! We went in to the waiting and shopping area only to discover hundreds of US Airborne soldiers wearing their desert fatigues. They were on one of the many US troup carriers that stop over in Ireland to refuel before they go to the Middle East. This group was a group returning home from Iraq – just in time for Christmas. I loved just sitting back and watching the joy and relief on the men and women’s faces as they strolled around buying gifts for loved ones, enjoyed a pint of Guiness at the airport pub, or waited in long lines to call their loved ones. It was an awesome way to start our journey home for Christmas!