Keys Anyone?

This week we went to visit Mike on a layover. He has the same trip every week for the entire month, so we decided while I was still on semester break, we would enjoy the time together. I pack up the kids and the car, and I'm off at the hotel. Mike brings in everything from the car. Runs to McDonald's for us, and then early the next morning leaves for a full day of work taking the keys with him. We are stranded at the hotel, yes Mike took the keys. I had just gotten all the kids bundled up because of the sub-zero weather, and started looking for the keys. Now misplacing keys is part of my M.O., but not Mike's. He always takes the keys out of his pocket and puts them away. I frantically try to call him, he is not picking up. I call his company and they send a message to his plane, "Captain Mike, please call your wife as soon as you land." As soon as he received the message, he knows, and he reaches into his pocket, and there are the keys. Security didn't even pick up the extra metal in his pocket. He asked when the next flight was going back to Milwaukee, so he could send the keys, but it was pushing back just as he landed. They couldn't exactly open the service doors to toss the keys from one plane to another (although he seriously considered it). So what to do? I called a locksmith, can't do it (our keys have a computer chip), I called the dealer, and they need the car on the lot to make a new key. I called the hotel, book it for another night (only $36.00), and we hope that Mike can make it back that night. We then proceed to enjoy the day at the hotel. Luke thought the hotel restaurant was the coolest restaurant ever! We went swimming twice, ate at the hotel restaurant twice, watched lots of PBSkids (which is a treat because we have no reception, satellite, or cable) and enjoyed the day. I would keep getting these updates from Mike, "There's a ground stop for LaGuardia." The weather in New York was not the best, then he tells me that they are boarding up the passengers and taking off. He will make his flight, and come join us at the hotel with the keys! Then a text message, "Ground stop for LGA, turn on CNN to see why." The boys only let me watch for two seconds before we had to turn it back to PBSkids. But during those two seconds, I see an airplane floating in the Hudson, and the announcement that everyone is safe. Will Mike make it home to us? How long am I going to be in the hotel? Then within the next few hours: the ground stop was lifted, Mike landed safely in NYC, and made his flight back to us, keys in hand (well really in his pocket.)

Thankfully during the entire experience we were safe, warm (did I mention it was 35 below with windchill), happy, full, and had each other. Fortunately Mike had just been paid so there was actually money for food. Finally, the kids didn't miss any school because it was cancelled due to sub zero temperatures on both Thursday and Friday. The kids had a great time. We had a great day, but we are glad that we are home! Hopefully, this will be an experience that we will laugh at for the rest of our lives! ......remember the time we got stuck at the hotel because Dad took the keys with him!