Survival of the Fittest

Each time we do these long flights to and from Canada/Philippines we learn a little. This time, the kids and I's finale, was by far the best we've ever had. I guess after 5 years we should have learned enough tricks to make it relatively painless and we decided to span the trip home out a little bit to make it as relaxing on me as it could be.

Tuesday morning we said goodbye to Bacolod and took our first of 5 flights to Manila where we spent the afternoon cruising around and enjoying good food and good sleep as our last full day in the Philippines. Wednesday we did flights 2 and 3. The first being a quick 2 hour flight to Hong Kong which provided just enough nap time for Ryan and Madison and where we spent a short layover running the kids. We then boarded our 11 1/2 hour flight to Canada around 4 pm. It was so great. We have never had a more perfect flight. By the time dinner was served and the cabin lights were turned off the kids were exhausted and ready to sleep. They finally woke up with only 2 hours left when they were starting to serve our breakfast. Just enough time to eat, change back into our clothes and get ourselves ready to meet Auntie Kait at the airport. No drama, no tears, no whining ... just happy go easy kids.
After collecting our 10 pieces of luggage and transporting them to the luggage storage at the domestic airport where they would be waiting for us the next morning we spent our afternoon and evening with my sister and Matthew (her man). We ran outside enjoying the crisp fresh air that smelled amazingly clean, we ate yummy food and spend some time in the hotel room playing and reading books until we couldn't keep our eyes open a minute longer. What was amazing was that the kids slept for 13 hours with the exception of Maddy who wanted a pillow and went right back to sleep. We have NEVER had a first night where all the kids just slept right through. It was awesome.
Thursday morning we continued onto our last 2 flights to make it back to Lethbridge Alberta where our amazing families greeted us at the airport with a banner! We are SO loved (yes, I'm bragging). We then had a nice BBQ where the kids ran wild with their cousins and we kind of caught up with everything. It was perfect. AND that night, other then a pee break, the kids again slept through the night. Actually other then one night where Madison freaked out about who knows what the kids have been amazing. If they do get up to use the bathroom, or because they are chilly, they go right back to sleep. Adjusting to a 14 hour time change is super hard so I'm really thankful this trip they just fell right in even though we were 14 hours behind what they are used to. Last night Ryan and I finally had our first sleep right through the entire night too!

SO cheers, to good night sleeps and Canada!! And to the quickest adjustment to date.