Flying with kids

Michael and I decided it was finally time for a family vacation a few months ago.   We gathered up our courage and got on a plane headed for the Big Island of Hawaii.   Planning and packing for a family vacation is a lot more complicated that the glorious days of just the two of us.     Armed with many kid toys, dvds, electronic gadgets and snacks, we boarded the plane.      We were just about the last ones on the plane due to two parents not paying attention, and one surprise diaper change that was demanded at the very last second.    

The plane ride was difficult, but we made it.   Every hour seem to go on forever.   Maddy was really good and kept herself entertained most of the time.  Makena required both of us to keep distracted.   We had one grumpy old man in the seat before us that was turning around and complaining not even and hour into the flight.   A few more complaints and I finally stood my ground and told him to take it to the Flight Attendants if he had an issue, which he never did.  I realize kids are a huge pain in the butt on planes, but I assure you that as a mom I was doing everything possibly to keep the peace, keep my kids entertained and everyone mellow.  There was no crying, little screaming, and two very good kids.   But the man was on high alert for any kid issues, so any bump to his seat made him angry.  Well yes, my kids will bump your seat.  After all they are 2 and 4 years old, so sitting still for 5 hours is not something their capable of.  Hell, I am not really capable of it at 38 years old.    Michael nicely pointed out an empty seat in the next row over suggested he make a change.  He grumbled and left us alone. 

View from Hot Tub

I will admit about half-way through I tried to give Makena a little something to make her sleep.   I have used it before and it just mellowed her out.  Well Karma bit me in the ass, as it wound her up and made her irritable and ancy.  This is about the LAST thing you want from a 2 year old with 3 hours to go in a flight.   Makena must have climbed into and out of her seat about 150 times.   Oh man, it was dicey for awhile there....and somehow we eventually got here.    Lesson learned and I won't attempting that again.

Anaeho'omalu Beach

The girls are still on Seattle time, so were up at 5:30am each morning thus far.   But its light by 6am and gorgeous, so not that hard to take.   Its simply gorgeous and so wonderful to be in warm breezes with two girls who are loving it.  

*Images are not mine; just stolen to for viewing pleasure!