January 28th - Travel Day Home (or maybe not)....story to be completed once we know for sure - update: we made it!

We woke up cautiously optimistic that we'd make it home.

It was not the prettiest day in Hong Kong for our short ride to the terminal.

 Here's a shot of the hotel from the terminal.

Everyone was wide awake and ready to go on the short bus ride.  

Arriving at the terminal, we met a nice American who helped guide us to the checkin counter at ANA.  This airport is HUGE so we really appreciated his help as we continued to drag all our luggage to be checked in for the flight.

Made it through security just in time for Drew to have his bottle, with hot water provided by McDonald's. 

 Here's the little guy.  Not amused.  Waiting for the hot water for feeding to begin.  His shirt perfectly suits him.

Waiting for the tram in this massive airport.

Here we are waiting to board the ANA flight.  Their service was spectacular.

Drew was stretching his legs before the almost 5 hour flight.  When he was close to the glass, he was a bit timid to make sure he wouldn't fall.    

 On the ANA flight.  Derek was so brave.  He had both kids while I sat behind providing whatever was needed (food, drink, toys, etc).  Based on the flight fiasco previously mentioned, we were happy to be seated near each other.

Here we are navigating the Tokyo airport.  We had to clear security again before we could head to our gate.  Since the flight from Hong Kong was a little delayed, the layover in Tokyo wasn't too bad.

 Enough time to grab some food and let the little one run around before the 12.5 hour flight home.

One of MANY bottles on the United flight.  Drew fell asleep in our arms but immediately woke up when I tried to place him on the seat (we had an extra seat).  For over 5 hours, Derek and I took turns holding him and walking him around so he wouldn't cry and disturb the rest of the cabin.  He finally gave up to allow us to sleep a couple of hours.  

We arrived Newark!  I had Drew's passport and the special brown envelope from the Guangzhou consulate to give the customs officer.  We were escorted to a different room where we waited to be cleared.  Drew was officially a citizen!  We then grabbed our luggage and met Tiffany and Regan curbside! (Regan took the train home from college so she could meet him in person.)  Brett couldn't come to the airport because he had a basketball game that evening and was back at school prepping for the game.  

During the ride home, he wasn't a happy camper.  Screamed much of the way.  Not happy because ? tired, wanted another bottle, or didn't like the rear-facing car seat.  Made a big impression on Tiffany and Regan. 

Once he was home, the happy guy returned.  Here he is sitting with Regan when we arrived home.

And when Brett got home after the game.... 

It's hard getting 4 people (including little people) to look at the camera and smile at the same time.  Please note Crosby photo-bomb in the lower right corner.

And now the real fun begins....