Mini Vacation: Day #1 Travel

     Today was our big travel Day! We got up a little early, got dressed and loaded the car before heading out to the airport. Once we got there and started unloading the car and ran into a snag in our plans. First, I struggled to get Froggie`s car seat unlatched and then our plan to strap the car seats to our luggage didn't pan out as expected. We ended up having to carry the car seats from gate to gate the entire day.

We found a dinosaur in the airport.

     I tried prepping Big Brother for security right off the bat in the morning and he was excessively concerned that he or his belongings were going to be squished during screening. He did well and had no melt downs (thank God for answered prayers!). We went through a new line in security where we didn't have to open anything or take off our shoes. I didn't even have to take Froggie out of the Ergo, which was a huge life saver. All the way through and Big Brother's only complaint was due to the fact that he wanted a snack thanks to not eating more than a few bites of breakfasts. So once we found our gate my mom stayed with our luggage while the kids and I went and bought some drinks and snacks.

Our first plane

The kids and their first plane.

The kids and their first plane.

     Our first flight went off without a hitch and our flight even landed early! Big Brother played with his Leap Pad 2 almost the whole flight and despite my typical views on children and over exposure to electronics I recommend some sort of tablet with games or videos to make the flight pass a little more quietly. Froggie nursed during take off and played at the window and with her new jellyfish toy as well as snacking throughout the flight and playing peek-a-boo with the couple behind us. I think the only issue we had that flight was that Big Brother didn't want to leave his seat belt on.

Nursing cover and suckers!

In flight entertainment.

Looking out the window.

Froggie`s view for flight #1

Froggie and I on her first plane ride.

She had a blast! 

The kids got jellyfish on the plane.

Flying with Grandma.

     After a very long walk carting our belongings across the airport in Charlotte, NC we made it to our next gate just before they began boarding. This was a smaller plane and we had to wait a little longer to turn stuff on (at least it seemed that way). Big Brother ended up watching Disney`s Planes during this flight (ironic right?) but got upset when we had to turn everything off to land. Froggie nursed again during take off and I think I forgot to mention Big Brother had a sucker and bunnies to combat the pressure change. Froggie REALLY wanted to take the kindle and headphones that Big Brother had so she played with a book an  had  a teething cookie which got EVERYWHERE!  In addition to the mini freak out about giving up the Kindle we battled the seat belt issue again and Froggie decided that just  about three quarters of the way through our flight would be a good time to poop. Let me tell you, there is nowhere to change a diaper on a plane not to mention we were told to put our seat belts back on. Needless to say our first stop in Pensacola was the bathroom. The young woman sitting in front of us noticed Big Brother's daddy doll and gave me a dog tag to give to him. It was a very nice gesture on the part of a stranger!

The kids and I on our second flight

Watching "Planes" on our second flight.

Looking out the window on flight #2

The view on flight #2

Gift for Hubby from a girl on flight #2.

     We walked, with car seats in tow to get our rental car. I think that process was the most frustrating, especially since  everything was already booked and confirmed online and I should have just had to show them my I'D and card and been given my keys. Big Brother ran around with his blankie tied around his neck like a cape and watched luggage come in. The blanket cape was done out of necessity since he wouldn't stop dragging it on the floor, but it kept him entertained. He was able to climb into a Blue Angel cockpit they had in baggage claim as well and was super excited about it.

Blanket cape!

Blue Angel cockpit at the airport.

Blue Angel cockpit at the airport.

Blue Angel cockpit at the airport.

Blue Angel cockpit at the airport.

     We packed up our rental and headed towards Hubby who, for the record, is directionally challenged and sent me in the wrong  direction numerous times. We got checked in, unloaded and settled in the rain but it cleared up by dinner and we were able to walk around (without coats!) after dinner.
     Did I mention that Zippy made the trip? Big Brother found him hanging from a lamp shade once we got settled.

Zippy came to Florida with us!