Don't count your eggs before you speak too soon...

First of all, the children are all very safe and happy.

Secondly, it brings tears to my eyes when I think about how proud I am of each and every one of them.

We arrived at O'Hare around noon today, went through a long line to get through security, only to discover that our original flight had been canceled. United rebooked us on an evening flight, and I only discovered THAT had been canceled when parents started noticing it on the United website and texting me to let me know.

I spent three hours in line/at the counter with the wonderful Patricia Kucera of United customer service.

In addition to arranging hotel rooms at the O'Hare Radisson and meal vouchers (which they ordinarily ONLY due in case of mechanical problems or crew issues, NOT weather), she has us on standby and with a confirmed booking for tomorrow.

Please know that she checked EVERY airline at EVERY time, and this is the ONLY way back home.

And thanks for the suggestions of impromptu concerts - we sang to Patricia to thank her, and it brightened the entire F and E concourse. Singing kids are a great ace in the hole in just about any situation!

Thus, we're all happily tucked in tonight, and will enjoy a leisurely morning swim tomorrow before heading back to spend another day in the airport.

Flight 7124 leaves at 2:20 p.m and arrives Savannah at 5:25 p.m. It is a fully booked flight, but at present, there is not a standby list, so a few might get home. We have enough directors/chaperones on either end to make this work, so please don't worry. If it works, it works, and we'll let you know.

Flight 7334 leaves at 7:45 p.m., and arrives Savannah at 10:46. This is the one we're all confirmed to be on.

The weather has been beautiful here, but I understand that you're getting the tail end of one of the year's first hurricanes there, which is probably why our flights were canceled.

Most of our children are running low on funds at present, but please know that while United (mostly) treated us to dinner tonight, the SCC take care of breakfast tomorrow, and will help kids who have run short with lunch and dinner.

Again, please know the kids are safe, happy, and the most gracious and seasoned travelers I've ever seen in my YEARS of flying. I'd take the entire SCC over any two adults trying to get to Fargo, anyday!