Traveling Space A

So after hearing story after story of using Space A (space available military flights), I decided that it was time I try it out for myself. To be honest I wasn't too excited about the idea because you are not guaranteed a spot on a plane and you are competing with many people for a seat back to the United States.... but it was worth a try since Cori's round trip ticket cost us $1,500! We didn't want to spend the same amount for a round trip flight for me as well. So I do all the research I can about Space A, get all my paperwork filled out, and wait around for Cai's passport to arrive so I can leave. Cai's passport arrived on Friday afternoon and I almost squealed with joy because I knew there was a flight leaving to McChord Air Force Base on Sunday that I wanted to get on. Cori's parents live in Washington State really close to that base so I thought it would be a perfect place to land, spend some time with the family, and then fly back home and see my family before coming back to Washington in July with Cori. On Friday early morning I realize that there is a flight that is leaving Okinawa and arriving in Travis Air Force Base which is around the Sacramento/San Francisco area with 73 seats available. Cai had his 2 month appointment early that morning so I knew it would be a hectic day if we left but nonetheless I started packing up our bags to try and make the flight. After his doctor's appointment I came home finished packing with the help of some friends, purchased some snacks from the store, and was on my way to the terminal. Space A is such a weird and mentally/emotionally exhausting experience. It literally was like a lottery! They had 73 seats available on the plane and people were selected based on the category in which they belonged. Cai and I were category 4 out of 6 so we were close to the bottom of the list. As they start calling names out and people don't show up to claim their seats our chances get better and better. Suddenly I realize that people who were signed up after me were being called and I knew there was a problem. I immediately approach the counter and ask why this is happening and they stop the roll call process with 7 seats left on the plane to figure out what was going on. They eventually fix the problem (some computer issue) and give Cai and I the two seats on the flight. I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe that on my very first try on a Space A flight I get a flight manifested all the way to Travis. How awesome is that? To make matters even better we met some amazing people at the terminal including a mom with 4 little boys who took the last 5 seats on the plane. I was so happy for her and her little ones. Turns out her husband was my dentist who pulled all my wisdom teeth last year. Small world! :) Also that evening I met Alejandra who would end up becoming my travel companion and a great friend! The flight was scheduled to leave that evening but was delayed and set to leave early on Saturday morning. I was okay with this because it gave me an extra night to spend with Cori before we had to head out. Saturday morning Cori dropped us off at the airport and we said our goodbyes. We boarded a huge cargo plane and off to Hawaii (our first stop) we went. Saying the airplane was huge is an understatement, it was massive! It was also crazy loud and they supplied us with ear plugs for the ride. I ended up not using them because your ears adjust to the noise eventually. Cai had a great flight. He slept on and off and never cried. I spent the majority of the time talking to Alejandra getting to know each other. By the time we arrived to Hawaii we were exhausted and delirious. Our flight was supposed to have a 4 hour layover but it ended up being a 2 day layover due to some maintenance issues so we got "stuck" in Hawaii for a mini vacation for 2 days! I can't even begin to express how friendly and helpful everyone from the staff on the airplane to the passengers on board where to Cai and I. Many military members offered to carry Cai's carseat for me and help me with the luggage, nice ladies helped by holding Cai when I needed to do something or use the restroom. Everyone was so extremely helpful that it made me full of pride to be a part of a such a loving community. Alejandra and I ended up booking a hotel room for two nights on the Pearl Harbor base. We rented a car and explored Hawaii (Oahu) for two days and had a blast. We even adopted a 19 year old boy named Jonathon that was on his way to college and he tagged along with us throughout the trip. I also got to meet up with my friend Mishelle who lives in Hawaii and spend an evening/night with her, her husband, and their beautiful 2 week old baby girl. These two days were awesome and everything seemed to work out so perfectly. Our flight finally left at around midnight on Sunday and we arrived in the Sacramento area early Monday morning. Alejandra and I had made plans to rent a car and drive down to Los Angeles (she was heading to San Diego) but after checking airplane tickets we decided to fly out of the SF airport for $100 dollars a ticket :)!!! Jenna and Jocelyn picked me up at the Long Beach airport and it was such a sweet reunion. I miss all of my friends so much and it is so great to be reunited to them regardless of how long we are apart. My brother and Rosie knew that I was arriving so they were already waiting for me at my parents house (they didn't know). We called my brother when we arrived to the apt building and had him come downstairs to let us into the building. We positioned Cai in his car seat outside the door, rang the doorbell, and walked away. My mom opened the door and immediately starts saying "OH MY GOODNESS!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!" my dad hearing her runs to the door and sees Cai and immediately bursts into tears. I can honestly say that I have maybe seen my dad cry 3 times in my lifetime and this was one of them. He unbuckles Cai from his car seat, holds him and just sobs. It was such a precious moment. I actually felt bad for surprising them for a minute there. It was so good to finally be home and surrounded by family and friends. It felt so good but I was definitely exhausted from our trip. The next morning my whole family (excluding Alondra and of course Cori) drove to Las Vegas and spent a couple days out there soaking up the sun and eating amazing food. It was a relaxing trip and a good time to bond with everyone. I'm finally back in Anaheim and things have settled down. I've been spending a lot of time with my friends and seeing people I haven't seen in what seems like ages. Everyone is obsessed with Cai and I don't blame them...he is the cutest boy on this planet earth no doubt. Jenna spent the night with us three nights in a row and I loved having her around. She is one of the greatest/strongest persons I know. I still have many people to see and many people to catch up with. It is going to be a busy month! I can't wait until July 3rd when my handsome husband gets here and I get to be in his arms again. I miss him everyday and think about him always. July is going to be a perfect month spending time with everyone we love with him by our side. Cai misses his daddy. That's it for now. Cai is growing at a rapid speed. It truly is incredible. If you haven't already, contact me so we can set up a lunch/dinner date :) It's good to be back!!!