Chapter 47
As promised, Penny and Leonard took their kids to have their passports processed at the American Embassy which would take all day since the embassy was quite a distance away from their home.
"Is it gonna take long to get the passport daddy?" asked William as Leonard drove the car down the road.
"I think it would take three months for you and your sister's to get issued." he said to his son.
"Why that long?" William said.
"I don't know buddy. But that's what was posted in the embassy website when I checked it out last week." Leonard said. "Don't worry, we'll try to ask if they can make it shorter so we could visit your grandpa and grandma soon.
"You know what's more exciting?" Penny chimed in as she looked over Sarah who was sleeping soundly in the back seat.
"What?" William said.
"If we time our visit right, we get to celebrate this young lady's birthday over there!" said Penny, winking at her son.
"You're right mom." William said.
Leonard tapped William's shoulder. "Just don't think about it too much and the next thing you know, we'll be at the airport with your mom and sister." he said.
William nodded. "Yes dad. Thank you for doing this." he said.
Leonard smiled at his son. "Hey, even you didn't ask for it, your mom and I have been talking about visiting her family in the states and bringing you there. It's just that she had Sarah so we had to adjust our plans." he said.
"I understand dad." said William as they neared the embassy the same time as Sarah woke up as Penny took her from her baby seat to see if her diaper needs changing or not.
They arrived at the embassy shortly as Leonard took his family inside to process his children's passports, showing the embassy staff their papers as well as his and Penny's passports. After about an hour of cross-checking and encoding the children's information, Leonard paid for the processing of his children's passports, getting the receipt from the lady at the counter. He went back to where his family was sitting as Penny cuddled Sarah on her lap, keeping her distracted so she won't cry and make a scene inside the embassy.
"So?" Penny asked as Leonard sat beside her and his son.
"It's done." said Leonard as he put the receipt in his wallet.
"When will they give my passport daddy?" William asked.
"I'm sorry buddy, I tried to ask if they could make the process faster but they said the standard processing is three months." he told his son.
"It's alright dad. At least we get to celebrate Sarah's birthday in Nebraska." said William.
Leonard lightly ruffled his son's hair. "Thanks buddy. Don't worry, before you know it, we'll be in Nebraska helping your grandpa out with his tractor or something, eating your grandma's homemade apple pie." he said.
"Okay dad." said William as Penny looked on, proud of how understanding her son was.
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After almost four months, the young family made their way into the airport entrance with Buster in his dog carrier, anxious to be making the trip back to the states again. They took the dog to the quarantine check area for him to be processed before they check-in on their luggage and get their boarding passes. Penny was carrying Sarah while Leonard and William took their passports and ticket reservations to the check-in counter for them to be processed.
After checking-in their luggage, they went straight to the immigration officer who was smitten at how cute Sarah was. The baby for her part smiled and giggled when the immigration officer made some funny faces, making her explode with laughter as the couple felt proud by their daughter's charm and personality. After going through immigration, they then went to the final security check with William asking his father at how the X-Ray machine worked, finding it interesting that something like that can see through stuff. They then made their way to the boarding gate to wait for their flight to be called. Penny sat along with her husband and son to keep the baby entertained and not cry or make a racket to disturb the other passengers.
"How are you feeling buddy?" he asked his son.
"How long is our flight gonna be dad?" asked William.
"Around five hours. Why?" asked Leonard.
"Nothing dad. I just hope Sarah can keep herself behaved and not make a racket inside the plane." said the young man making the couple laugh.
"I hope so too buddy." said Leonard.
"Don't worry sweetheart, we brought enough milk for your sister. So if she cries, we'll just give her something to eat and put her back to sleep." said Penny while cradling the baby on her lap. "Right little princess? You love to eat huh?" she said to the baby, making Sarah giggle with laughter while making baby sounds.
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The young family stood up when their flight was called, being assisted by the flight crew since it was airline policy to let people with kids board the aircraft first. Some of the flight attendants fell immediately in love with Sarah and how cute she was, laughing and giggling whenever they make funny faces or tickle her cheek. Leonard made sure their carry-on was secure in the overhead compartment, mostly checking Sarah's baby stuff of food and diapers while Penny cuddled her daughter. After securing their stuff, Leonard made sure William's seat belt was okay, showing him how to work the entertainment screen on his seat.
After almost thirty minutes, the plane taxied on the runway to start it's flight to America. Sarah became a little agitated as Penny held her daughter close, trying to comfort the baby and let her know it's going to be alright with Leonard doing that same with William.
"It's alright sweetheart, don't be afraid." Penny said to her daughter, kissing her as the aircraft's engine shifted to full throttle taking the plane up in the air.
"So buddy? How are you feeling?" Leonard asked his son.
"It was scary at first dad, but it's okay now." said William.
"You're so brave sweetie!" Penny told her son as she continued to distract the baby from crying. "Hey baby, are you alright?" she asked Sarah as she continued making baby sounds, touching and trying to pinch Penny's face. "Just don't make a racket for the next five hours alright?" she said to the baby.
The couple was thankful that their baby never made a scene in the plane, only crying when she was hungry or wants to sleep which was a relief for Penny as she got to rest her arms and stretch out her legs. After two milk bottles and a diaper change, the plane landed on Nebraska as Leonard took their carry-on bags while Penny carried Sarah. William was tired from the trip, being so far away from home as he followed his parents out of the aircraft. After getting through immigration and security, the young family went on to collect their luggage from the conveyor belt before heading out of the airport where Wyatt and Susan are waiting.
Susan saw her daughter as they exit the airport and called out to her, excited in seeing her grandchildren again.
"Ugh, thank god you guys are safe!" said Susan as she hugged her daughter and son-in-law before greeting the kids. "Hi honey! I missed you so much!" she said to William while showering him with hugs and kisses.
"I missed you too grandma!" William said.
Susan then stood up to take Sarah from Penny. "Come to grandma princess! Ugh, you're so much prettier than when I last saw you!" she said as Sarah giggled and laughed, obviously recognizing her grandma.
"Hey slugger!" Wyatt said as he lifted William in his arms. "You're a little taller now. Did you get scared in the plane?" he asked his grandson.
"A little bit grandpa. But when we were in the air, it wasn't so bad." said William.
"You guys must be tired. Let's get back to the truck so you could all rest." he said as Leonard pushed the baggage cart while Penny held William's hand, following Wyatt and Susan to the parking lot.
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They arrived at the house as Wyatt and Susan helped the couple and their kids in getting settled in the master bedroom while they chose to stay in Penny's old room.
"Just tell me if you guys need anything alright?" Susan said as she carried Sarah while Penny and Leonard bring their stuff into the bedroom.
"Thanks mom. I guess we'll just rest for a while, these two are tired from our flight." said Penny, referring to her children.
"Aww, poor babies!" Susan said while kissing her grandkids. "You guys take a rest okay? We'll catch up tomorrow at breakfast." she told William.
"Okay grandma." William said as Susan left the family in the bedroom to rest and unpack.
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The next day, the young family came down from the bedroom more relaxed and well rested after having a good night sleep.
"Hey guys!? You're just in time for breakfast." said Susan as she took Sarah from Leonard. "Come here princess, ugh, you're so pretty!" she added while kissing her granddaughter. "Are you hungry?" she asked the little girl, making Sarah scream and laugh. "Aww, just like your mother huh, always excited for food!" said Susan making Leonard and William laugh.
"You can say that again grandma." said William as they take their seats on the table. "Sometimes she eats more than me." he added as they started eating the breakfast that Susan prepared.
"Okay, I think that's enough sweetie." Penny said. "Let's just eat alright?" she added.
"Sorry mom." said William.
Penny smiled at her son. "It's fine sweetheart, let's just eat so me and your dad can continue unpacking our stuff." she said.
"Hey if you want, I can show William around the farm, meet some of the animals." said Wyatt. "What do you say slugger?" he asked his grandson.
"That sounds nice grandpa." said William before turning to his parents. "Can I go mom?" he asked Penny.
"Of course sweetheart. We're gonna be staying here for a month and you can do whatever you want." Penny said.
"Can I ride a horse daddy?" William said.
"Sure buddy." said Leonard. "But you have to ride with your grandpa alright? I don't want you riding alone only to see the horse running or jumping." he added.
"Your father is right son. Don't worry, we'll take one of the horses around the paddock after breakfast okay?" said Wyatt.
"Thanks grandpa." William said.
They continued to eat breakfast as Penny and Leonard told them about their plan to celebrate Sarah's first birthday party there, making Susan and Wyatt excited.
"I think it's a great idea honey!" Susan said. "Are you planning anything special or something?" she asked.
"We just want it simple mom. Just family and friends and some of the neighbor kids." said Penny.
"She's right, we don't want anything over the top." said Leonard. "And she won't even remember any of this." said Leonard.
"Which reminds me, you two have to bring your kids to meet nana Juliet." said Susan. "She's been asking about you these past few months. She says that you may have forgotten all about her." Susan added.
"I know mom." said Penny. "Don't worry, we'll bring these two to meet nana Juliet." Penny added.
"Who's nana Juliet mommy?" asked Wiliam.
"She's your mom's grandma buddy?" said Leonard.
"Did you meet her before dad?" said William.
"Yeah, after your mom and I got married, we stayed here for our honeymoon and we met nana Juliet." said Leonard. "I even fixed their old record player." he added.
"Really?" said William. "That's awesome." added Leonard's son.
"I'm sure she'll be thrilled to meet you two." said Leonard.
"Your dad is right sweetheart." Penny said.
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After breakfast, Wyatt took William to show him around the farm while Leonard helped Penny unpack their stuff with Susan carrying Sarah.
"Ugh, I don't know how you can carry this young lady around all day?" Susan said. "She's so heavy." she added.
"Well, it's better this than being sick all the time mom." said Penny.
"You're right I guess." said Susan.
"And now that she's started eating solid food, I guess this young princess would get bigger fast huh?" said Leonard, tickling his daughter, making Sarah laugh and giggle.
"Guys, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Susan said.
"What is it mom?" Penny asked.
"Uh, I know this is not my business or anything, but when are you guys gonna live here in the states, you know, permanently?" said Susan.
Penny looked at Leonard, not knowing what to say to her mother.
"Well to be honest, I've been thinking about it for the past couple of months now." he said.
Penny was surprised and sat beside her husband. "Honey, how come you never told me anything about this?" said Penny.
"Well, I didn't want you to think too much about it." Leonard said.
Susan decided to chime in. "You know what guys, I'm sorry I asked. I mean, we're happy if you guys are happy." said Susan. "Come on princess, let's get you something to eat in the kitchen." she said as she left the bedroom.
"Honey, are you really thinking of going back?" Penny asked.
"Yeah, a couple of times actually." said Leonard.
"But we have a good life back at the island, right?" Penny said.
"I know." said Leonard while putting his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry honey, we'll talk about it when we go back. But for now, let's just enjoy our time here, okay?" he said.
Penny smiled and kissed him. "Okay honey. I love you so much." she said.
"Hmm, William is with your dad, Sarah is with your mom, and we have the whole bedroom to ourselves." he said, winking at her. "Do you wanna?" he asked.
Penny bit her lip. "We have to be quiet. I don't want my mom walking in on us." she said as Leonard quickly stood up to lock the door.
"Don't worry, they won't know a thing." he said as he pulled Penny close, kissing her while slowly lifting her shirt up. Penny did the same, undressing her husband as they lay on the bed, making love under the covers.