Our return trip home was a bit longer than we expected...

For some reason, Ethiopian Air could not find our tickets in their computer. They told Paul we had to be at the airport 4 hours early, even though they told everyone else 3, and then proceeded to type that message into the computer, "advised Paul...or seats would be released."
So, screaming son in tow, we headed to the airport very early.
Getting into Bole Airport in Addis is an adventure, as there are men galore wanting to move your bags. Only, we realized, they each only take them a little ways & hand them to the next man & they all want to be paid. Stressful with the language barrier, dwindling birr supply, stack of lugguge & terrified children.
We finally got through the first xray screen, and onto the ticket counter, where again, they had trouble finding us. UGH!
On through the visa processing...and finally...to the waiting area. Only by this time, Kebrom is beside himself unhappy. Which, makes Paul & I in the same unhappy club. Thanks to Dawn & Bernie (Tedros & Rahael) we would have never made it without them. They helped me order dinner, sat with the bags while I checked on Paul...then Tedros wheeled Kebrom around in the stroller 'mahkeenah.' And, it is now only 7ish, and our flight is delayed, not departing til after 11PM.
Kids take their first trips on the escalator...big hit & they are so brave. In fact, they did it over & over & over while we were waiting, til airport man said no more.
Use the restroom one more time, then through another line, where the stroller must be folded up, which makes for very unhappy Kebrom (and therefore, very unhappy Paul).
FINALLY, we're in our seats...it feels like we've been traveling for hours already & our flight hasn't even departed the gate. Kebrom falls asleep almost instantly. Atsede is afraid of the plane, but holds my hand & chews her gum. When the first meal service came through, she ate rolls & crackers only, then fell asleep for 5 hours or so.
Kebrom didn't sleep nearly so long, but managed to miss his meal! Tedros & Rahael came & played with Atsede & Kebrom, they're so skinny, 3 of us could fit in the 2 seats. They did stickers, coloring...so sweet.
Landing, was not fun, as Kebrom did not want to put on his seatbelt. We were seated near a group of returning Campus Crusade missionaries & they were so very patient. Kebrom did love the window, as did Atsede. Kebrom got lots of miles out of the buttons on his seat. And yes, 3 of us could fit in the airplane restroom. On a 17 hour flight, it was bound to happen. Paul sleeping & both had to go at once.
We were so ready to land in the States, hurray for Dulles!! But then, they pull a trick and we exit right into a BUS, more waiting, lots of carry ons...we didn't know it, but the adventure was just beginning!