The FLIGHT
Our flight from LAX to Frankfurt went as best as I suspect it could.  We had help at LAX with our kitties and luggage and it was so nice to have our friends there also.  We had some concerns as we checked in because our 2 carry on bags where over the weight limit so we had to check them.  I had my computer in my carry on along with reading material so I took that out and let them check the bag.  I had to buy a tote bag to carry my laptop onto the plane so I would not lose it or drop it.  We had 3 large suitcases containing the things we thought we would need most until our shipment arrives probably by the end of November.  We had Patch and Muffin in a medium cargo carrier.  They were so scared.  Muffin was shaking visibly in the carrier.  What surprised me the most was the TSA guys saying I had to take the two cats out of the cage and HOLD them while they searched the cage.  I had visions of them squirming loose and running through LAX never to be found again.  But it worked OK.  Lindee held Muffin in a baby blanket that I had brought and I held Patch tightly while sitting on the floor.  I had the carrier set it up with a little food, water, water bottle, and a small kitty litter tray.  Next time I'll not put in the litter tray or water bottle in the carrier because the water bottle fell off and got the litter all wet and the litter got everywhere.  The cats where in the carrier for about 20 hours and came out pretty good on the other end.