We made it!

The plane ride sucked, but that was to be expected. Lainey slept a TOTAL of 2 hours the entire flight. Although she didn't sleep, she was such a trooper! Ethan of course did awesome, he always does. We had to run to catch our connecting flight from Tokyo to L.A. and made it, but I tell you, we were the very last ones on the plane! Mio did well and arrived a bit dehydrated, but fine. The things we do for this dog, good thing she is so wonderful! Not only did we have to drive here from L.A. because she wouldn't fit on the plane, but we also have to stay in some not so great places as well. There aren't very many places that will let you stay with your dog, especially a 100 lb. Rottie.
We are in the Days Inn right now. This has to be the worst place I have ever PAID to stay in. We didn't pack flip flops so I am making the kids wear either their shoes or socks at all times. You think it's a bit obsessive, I think not. I don't want to catch some foot fungus! Really, the moment they step out of the nasty tub, they have socks on their feet. Speaking of tubs, the first night was the *best*. We all felt nasty and in need of a shower. I was the first to take the plunge. I step inside the bathroom and see a not so great sight. It is far from clean and the bath mat was coming apart in places and in others it seemed stuck there forever. I tried to peel it off, but had little luck. So I just started the shower and tried to wash the grime off my body. Come to find out, the water here is soft water. I know that some of you think that soft water is awesome, but Andy and I think otherwise. I feel like I can't ever get clean, like there is a film of soap forever stuck to my body. After rinsing my hair for the 10th time I realize I am now ankle deep in shower water. By this point I should have realized that of course the drain wouldn't work. I about had a meltdown right then and there, but I saved the meltdown for the next day after having a horrible night's sleep with Lainey bug.
Anyway, back to the getting clean saga..Ethan and Lainey were next. I showed the horror of a tub to Andy and we wiped it down as best we could and stuck the kids in. The kids are sitting in YELLOW bath water with things floating around them. Nope, can't do it, kids, GET OUT NOW. Let's try this again. Andy gets the floaties out of the tub and the kids get the quickest tub of their life. We get ready for bed and I am so ready after not having slept for something like 28 hours but Lainey had other ideas. We were up a lot that night and have yet to get a good night's sleep, but I am still hoping that she'll get her clock set on U.S. time soon!
She caught Ethan and Andy's cold and I had to run to the store last night for a humidifier and she didn't end up going to bed until a bit after 10:30. Thank heavens for ear plugs!
Andy is going into work today to see when we can move in to our house and if it looks like it is going to be awhile we are going to look for some new lodging. I can only be a "trooper" for so long before I lose it! So keep your fingers crossed for us that we'll be in our new home soon. I'll write again when we have news. I am still getting used to typing on a laptop, it took me far too long to write this. I keep making mistakes...argh. Love to you all, annie
p.s. I took some pics of our time here so as soon as I can, I will post pics. That should give you a laugh :)