Kids On A Plane
Mom and Dad left for an awesome vacation back in October; traveling through several different countries all over Europe.
While they were gone, the kids constantly asked where Grammie and Papa were and when they were coming back. It was a loooong time, but finally a few days ago, we went to the airport to get them.
The three boys have been on an airplane before, and loved every minute of it. Lauren – age three – has never flown, so she constantly asks when we get to ride in a “pain.” We talk about flying with the four of them eventually, but going to the airport reminded us of how crazy it would be.
The last flight we took with the kids was a few years ago, to see Adam’s family in Texas for Thanksgiving. I was pregnant with Lauren, and the boys were ages one, three and five. You know how some people totally freak when a baby gets on a plane? You can literally hear their brain screaming, “Oh no, no, no! Not by me!”
Yep. Picture that, plus two more kids and one HUGE preggo Mama. People began to shift uncomfortably in their seats and put their bags in empty spots beside them. Adam walked through the aisle behind me, and I heard him quietly laugh and start saying to people as we passed, “We’re sorry in advance.”
The flight turned out to be fine. We made it through with little drama, but I still haven’t mustered up the courage to do it again. I know the kids would be excited and all, but holy cow, to try to keep all four contained in one area while NOT letting them cross some imaginary line that (as non-travelers) they can’t even see? The term “herding cats” comes to mind…
If you happen to be traveling with little ones for the holidays, or if you’re traveling beside them, hang in there! Know that no matter how long the “pain” ride may be, it will be worth it in the end. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays.
Care to share your ‘traveling with kids’ story? Was it a comedy, a tragedy, or both?
Bea lives in North Carolina with her husband Adam and children Christian (8), Ethan (7), Preston (4) and Lauren Elizabeth (3). Read more amazing stories by Bea at Peanut Butter Hair.
