Our flights went well and our boy was a trooper. He didn't sleep at all for the 1st leg to Amsterdam or in the airport during our 4 hour layover. There was too much fun, too many things to explore. WE made dozens of trips to the toilet where he mostly played at washing his hands. He kicked the back of the seat in front the whole time but it was empty, so no worries. We had a little handheld game, lots of buttons to press and batteries to take out, a 2m tape measure that retracted nicely for a while, and of course the tray table, always a favorite. No whining, no meltdowns, no vomiting, no accidents, just lots of trips to the john.
Schipol has a sort of jungle gym with netting around the outside and he played with a gang of Scottish kids on their way to Orlando. They were sweet with him and an older boy chided two younger ones to "Don't be so rough, there's a wee lad in there" in the most wonderful accent. It was the 1st time we'd seen him with kids his own age on his own and he loved it, especially when 2 girls 6 and 11 were chasing him around. I think he misses being around his cohorts and needs that kind of energy.

He fell asleep before takeoff on the second leg and slept for 2 hours. Susan and he were in bulkhead seats and I was right behind them. He played and ate crackers. NW has these little controls in the armrest for the video and he played that it was a phone. They also have a video screen on an arm that swings up and he played with that until he got his pinky caught. He cried and we put ice on it and wrapped it up in gauze and when that came off, so did his fingernail. Ouch!! He was really good while we worked on it and he fell asleep after, and slept through the landing. Immigration was a breeze and and soon we were on our way home in the limo that Cory and John provide, many thanks. We all slept a bit and were so glad to get home. We had some soup and bread that Bill and Caroline left for us, gave him a bath and put him to bed in Emma's bed, thanks Annie and Jay. We loved the balloons and flowers.What a great welcome home!!!!
We were all awake at 4 am and Sultan and I watched the sunrise down at the beach. We ran a few errands, went to Pie in the Sky for muffins, and now Susan and he are playing in the bath. I'm ready for my 1st nap of the day but Susan is determined to stay up till noon. Hopefully we can visit with the grandparents in the afternoon.
It's hard to believe we are finally home. It was a long 4 1/2 weeks in strange cities, strange apartments and it will be nice to get back to normal. or rather the new normal, whatever that may be. Thanks to all for the attention and support. It has meant alot to us to know we have such wonderful family and friend.
Peace
love
S+K