DIY renovations in full swing

WE HAVE ARRIVED!! On Saturday, we drove 2.5 hours to the airport in Chicago, arrived 3 hours early (as required, due to having an animal to transport in the hold). It was not an easy task managing Murphy's kennel, especially since the airline required that we remove it's wheels. With Murphy somewhat frantic inside, the kennel rocked like a teeter totter on the luggage cart--not to mention how challenging it was to tranverse the EXTREMELY crowded airport with a wide load AND 4 pieces of luggage. When we finally boarded the plane, we could hear Murphy barking down in the hold. Thankfully, he settled into the 8-hour flight after awhile, and made it through the trip just fine. Before we left, we hired a private porter service to meet us at the gate in Paris, assist with clearing customs and with getting our bags, giant kennel and anxious dog to the rental car--they don't come cheap, but they were worth every single penny. Even with all their help, it took 2.5 hours before we were in the car and ready to go. And then, with little to no sleep on the red-eye flight, Bill drove 9.5 hours to make it to our rental property. We were starving and exhausted, but felt like absolute champions having conquered this herculean effort. I've traveled internationally many times, but never with a 90 lb dog in a 4' x 3' kennel.