Days 1-3: Traveling Gets Too Exciting
From our hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
I have said the same travel-specific prayer twice so far: “please get us on that train.” Both times it was answered. That’s all I asked… I did plan all our arrangements but days like the last two remind me that God is in charge, not me.
Tuesday was busy; for some reason Tim scheduled his 2nd consultation with a “2nd opinion” chiropractor for that afternoon (12:45) when we were planning to leave for DC’s Union Station at 2pm. The night before, I had finally put out clothes for Sara Ellen and so I had to figure out how much suitcase I needed and pack between daily routines. Tim did not return until after 2. We left (Mom driving) before 2:30 and actually arrived around 3:15. With very little traffic, we made good time. But we were just too late to check our belongings. The roomettes are small so we weren’t quite sure where our suitcases would go; we had been instructed to bring an overnight bag. We got on board in plenty of time and there was a luggage rack in our car, the floor below us–sleeping cars are double decker. After that, our ride was very pleasant. We hadn’t eaten much that day, so we had an early dinner. Good food (which I shared with Sara Ellen): mashed potatoes, a little ravioli and steamed broccoli. Back in our room we watched a borrowed copy (Thanks B!) of “Nanny McPhee”, which was a lot of fun. I hadn’t realized before that 1)Emma Thompson is the title character, and 2) she wrote the screenplay. We slept all right. The bunk was long enough for Tim and Sara Ellen and I did ok, though as we barrelled along through the night, I rocked back and forth while sleeping on my side.
Wednesday’s breakfast was also good, but some delays and then morning traffic got us to Chicago Union Station 4-5 hours late! We weren’t on a schedule, but we were hungry and got a bit turned around trying to find the car rental desk. We finally got a vehicle and installed car seat. Then we got a little turned around trying to get to my cousin’s home and finally arrived after 3pm. We had a nice time playing with the little kids (Miles 4 1/2, Grace 2, Jack 1). Wes was out of town so Becky was watching his two little ones. James came over later for dinner and we had a great visit! Both Becky and James promised to come East some time.
Thursday after a leisurely morning of kiddie play (and learning about the UK terror threats) we left at 1 to arrive in plenty of time to return the car and check our baggage. At least that was the plan. Our directions weren’t quite accurate and after calling James and then stopping for more help we finally made it to the train station unsure we’d ever make the train. There were no parking spots until we drove around twice and another rental finally pulled out after being inspected (sheesh). I was ready to cry, though reminded myself that God is in charge. My prayer was answered after some stress. Thankfully we just had to drop off the keys, the long line of people was for a specific train and we made it onto our train just before it left! 
We made great time to Milwaukee and after installing another car seat, sitting in Wisconsin state fair traffic and getting lost again we made it to Tim’s Aunt Kathy’s. Though I met his family at our wedding, this was the first time I’ve spent with them. It was a lot of fun and chatted with his Aunt Zalla for a while. Sara Ellen, naturally, charmed all and didn’t seem anxious meeting new people.
We’re at the Country Inn and Suites and have a nice room. A nice place for travelers to rest, refresh, and reflect on the journey and conversations. I’m looking forward to rest of our visit.