It was like Christmas in July!

We boarded our plane headed east at10:30pm and by 10:35 this was Hannah.
As much as lugging the car seat around the airport takes more effort it sure is worth it for us!  Our take off was delayed (again) by almost 2 hours and then had a 4 1/2 hour flight to Cleveland.  The next time she woke up was as we approached the gate in Cleveland and her first question was, ‘Mommy, when are we going to fly?’  Heh!
We had a 3 1/2 hour stopover so it was great to take our time and explore.  We’d hoped to meet up with a family whose daughter had shared the same room with Hannah in DaoXian in 2009 but unfortunately strep going through their house nixed that.  Hopefully another time!
Hannah and I shared a little breakfast together and then she was treated to her very first donut ever.  Mmmm!  She’s had donut holes in the past but never an entire donut.  Oh happy day!  She licked off 1/2 the icing and ate only a couple of bites but she was in her glory!  It was fun too that she chose one that matched her pj’s!
After getting her dressed we headed to our gate.  As we waited they made an announcement about the flight being oversold and they were looking for 1 person to offer their seat and they would fly out 7 hours later.  I didn’t give it much thought at first as I wasn’t sure how we’d spend another 7 hours in the airport but then I thought about it a little and we decided to go for it!  They were offering a $600 travel credit, good for a year and that would pay for about half our flight to California again next summer.  This year we’d travelled on air miles and I wasn’t sure how I’d come up with the cash for next year’s flights but now part of the answer was right there in front of us.  A quick phone call to Auntie Michelle and Uncle Mark who were picking us up in Toronto and off to the podium we went.  I offered our seats and made sure that they had room for the 2 of us on the next flight.  Sure enough they did so we did it!  We delayed our return in exchange for the $600 credit!  Wheee!
As we waited for the gate agent to make up the voucher we met a wonderful family who were preparing to go on an Alaskan cruise.  Hannah chatted with their ‘kids’ (ages 20, 18 and 14) and ran about a bit (we were in a quiet part of the airport) while I worked with the agent.  You can imagine my shock and surprise when she showed up with not one but two travel vouchers, each for $600!!  Wheee….we can go back to California next July for sure!  M3 was excited to hear the news too so we’ll be headed to California to celebrate the 4th of July with our dear friends once again!
Next we set off to explore the airport some more.  We found a bookstore and Hannah enjoyed reading here for more than an hour.  As much as my girly is go, go, go, I also love that she can sit quietly and get lost in a good book!
Our adventure took us up and down elevators and along long concourses and tunnels as we explored what was around.  We had also been given lunch and supper vouchers so we found a place to enjoy some lunch. 
Tower building is always fun!
Her short night’s sleep soon caught up with her and as much as I tried to convince her she was done, she’d have nothing to do with it.  She’s one determined little girl.  You need to know it all ended well.   **This is a fun video and you'll want to watch it right to the end.  I still howl every time I see it!**

Down for the count.  She slept snuggled in her stroller for over 3 hours.
I met back up with the family we’d met earlier and snapped this pic with her friend Dan.  He was such a sweet guy and she loved teasing him.  We also enjoyed giving them our 2nd meal voucher as there was no way we needed any more food.  It was fun to share what was shared with us!
Hannah woke up just in time for our flight home and our extended stay was deemed a huge success!  We’d enjoyed extra time together, read stories and played with some toys and before we knew it it was time to go.  Operation ‘Earn Flights for 2013’ was a huge success and our vouchers are tucked safely away at home.
We love to travel and spend time with amazing friends but it’s also good to be home!  The last time we passed under this sign was when we flew home from China!!!
Waiting for our ride.  Thanks M&M!!
Another successful trip under our travel belts!  Thanks for a great visit Salsa Family!  Until next year!!!