USA here we come......

One of the best things about being stationed where we are is the ability to monitor and catch the Space Available flights out.

Most of the time, we catch a civilian carrier back to the States via the Space A method, but every now and then we get lucky and catch a Military flight.

For the sake of OPSEC (operational security), I won't go into details of how or where we flew in to the States, but these flights ARE THE BEST.

Even though it is nice to receive a meal and drink on civilian flights, as well as watch in flight movies, there is no changing the fact that you are cramped in a little seat for upwards of 10 hours depending on where you are flying.

On the mil flights, you wait until you reach altitude, then you make your bed.....on the floor.  Often times your flying companions are huge pieces of equipment.  Its loud, and you wear ear plugs.  The benefit to this is endless....I don't hear my kids squabble, I don't hear other kids cry, and the hum puts everyone to sleep.

The only downfall to these flights?  It GETS COLD.  But, if you prepare with blankets, hats, jackets and socks, you are good to go.

Second would be the appetite the kids develop out of boredom. By the time we are done with these flights, all snacks have been consumed. And we are talking a backpack of sandwiches, trail mix, carrots, apples, etc. They wipe it out, and I often have to ration, per hour!  And if I fall asleep, well, the bag pretty much was raided, including by Dad:)

Can you tell Zachary is excited to head home?  Sorry for the blurry IPhone pic!

These are probably some of the funnest flights back for our family, and we will always remember them, I am sure of that. I would have to say, that when the kids are grown, I know they will talk about the excitement of these flights. And as always, stepping on US soil is the best feeling!

Can you imagine this being your travel partner?

The kids love it, buckled in and read to take off.

Our fellow passengers.....cargo

When the lights go down, everyone pulls out there electronics until you get sleepy!  Then you bed it on the floor, right next to the huge machinery.