Arrival and Jet Lag Sets In

Well, we made it safe and sound! Our bags, however, are a different story. We knew it was bad news when we were waiting for the bags and we heard our names announced over the loudspeaker along with a whole list of other names telling us to go see the Lost and Found. Not one of our 7 bags and 2 carseats made it to Israel. And, we weren't eligible to receive any compensation because we are technically not tourists (because we have temporary resident visas). After I explained that we were just arriving and all of our stuff for the entire year was in those bags, they gave us 2 toiletry bags with toothbrushes and pajamas and that kind of stuff. That doesn't actually address the problem of not having any clothes to wear!!
The kids were excellent sports about waiting in line at the lost and found and then waiting more when they tried to only give us one booster carseat. I had to explain that a 10 month old really can't go in the car without a carseat and luckily they were able to find one for Eli. Then we had to wait some more to pick up our cell phone and then the rental car. At least we didn't have a million pieces of luggage to deal with!
We finally made it to Arica and Josh's around 8:30. Simon hit if off with Danya and Jordy right away and they went off to play and then came back to eat pizza. Simon is obsessed with their playroom and we had to pry him away to take a bath and go to bed. We all crashed, but Simon woke up around 3 and called for me because he had to pee. Then he wanted his blanket which was in the dryer because it had to be washed after being on the plane and dragged all over the floor at various airports. Then he wanted chocolate milk and then he wanted me to lie in his bed with him. He kicked me out after a little while, but I haven't been able to fall back to sleep so I thought I'd update the blog.
Tomorrow will be a busy day buying new clothes (and then writing a nasty letter to American Airlines to insist that they pay for said new clothes) and possibly a car. And, most importantly, I will eat yummy fresh Israeli schnitzel in a pita with ketchup and salad and pickles. Mmmm...
Can't believe we are actually here!!