W's travel log 1.

There was a strange feeling of excitment mixed with extreme exhaustion when I finally landed in my hometown. I had spent more hours than I cared to count on a plane or waiting for a plane... but I was so excited to see my family! I came out of the plane and walked down the long hallway to where I could see my parents waiting on the other side of security. It was so far away that I was sure that they did not see me yet (I was in a group of people). I stopped behind a large pole for a couple of seconds just to collect myself... It had been a year and a half since I last saw my father and about six months since I last saw my mother. Needless to say, I was just a bit overwhelmed with anticipation. I came down a set of stairs and into the arms of my parents. It felt so great to be hugged by both of them... a moment I will think back on forever. We walked down the hallway to go and collect my bags when suddenly my father put his arm around me and pulled me hard to the right. I remember looking at him doing this right as we rounded the corner. Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw someone jump behind a big yellow piece of paper. The large banner read, "Welcome Home!" Hidden behind the banner were 10 of my family members waiting to welcome me home! What a suprise! It was around 11pm when I arrived and I really didn't expect anyone else to be there... After many hugs and almost losing my luggage we all went out to dinner at IHOP (my favorite late night restaurant). We stayed there until well after midnight. I loved having the chance to see everyone (just about) all at one time. It was truly a great suprise. I left with my parents and when back to their house where my sister (Jenny) was waiting up for us. She took me in and let me peek at her little girl - my little niece - that I had never seen. It is so strange to think that I have not ever seen her. I ended up staying up and talking for a long while with everyone. It was great to be home, and my old bed felt great when I finally fell into it that night.