June 13: Stuck in London for four extra hours. Chicago delay made us miss our connecting flight even though we had a four hour lay over in London. Kids are tired. Tanner wishes he was back on the couch and not spread out on hard cold vinyl seats in the airport. Even during a layover, you can learn something new. For example, we were asked to unload all lotions, lipsticks, chapsticks, and water before going through security in Hethrow. I let the kids handle their backpacks, went through security, and waited on the benches while their stuff went through the scanners. Both backpacks got pulled to the side to be searched. The kids had forgotten they had water bottles in their backpacks so they got pulled. Todd volunteered to handle the boys backpack but insisted that the girls deal with theirs. Brittany finally relented and shuffled up to the counter to be met by a bigger more important security man. She was promptly asked what items she had been carrying in her backpack that would carry a chemical residue consistent with bomb making items. What? When in doubt, ask Mom. So she repeats the question across the span on the room and waits for me to answer, so does Mr. BAA security guy. I almost start laughing but I get the look from Todd that this is not a laughing matter. The detergent we use in the U.S. is fairly strong especially if you use stain resistant Tide? He didn't buy that. I haven't packed them fertilizer for lunch recently so I don't think it could be that. I have no idea. He informed us that some cosmetics have chemical residue consistent with bomb making chemicals. I didn't know they used fertilizer in make-up. I'll have to check the labels more closely from now on. Either way, Todd had fill out a phonebook's worth of paperwork listing the flight Brittany would be on, her passport number, ect., ect. When asked what his occupation was, Todd neglected to mention his B.S, in chemical engineering in order to spare to bomb squad and drug spelling dogs an unnecessary trip down. We had already missed one flight that day and weren't about to be locked away for the next flight. Brittany did have to endure a full body search. When they were walking her away and snapping on the plastic gloves, I followed. There was no need for me to go because she was legal to be searched; but I didn't care if she was eighty years old, they were not going to search my child without me. The door closes and Brittany assumes the stance with a smile... kill them with kindness Dad always says... The lady was impressed. She was the first one out of all the people she has ever searched that has smiled. Thanks to my daughter we have scored one point for international diplomacyby dispelling the reputation of the 'Ugly American'. On our way to Rome.