We Survived!

We're in Boston!!

I can't believe I'm still alive! JK It honesty wasn't as bad as I had been anticipating.

We left the house at 8:00 am and got to Salt Lake around 9:00. Ben was able to get an escort pass so that he could help me through airport security and see us off at the gate (a good start!).

But then...
Jocee had a total meltdown when Ben left. She was terrified of getting on the plane and threw a fit in the aisle. The people we sat in front of definitely didn't help her demeanor. They were bribing their little girl with chocolate if she'd sit in her car seat. Jocee then cried harder when she realized that she wouldn't be getting any of this chocolate. How weak is that?? They weren't even outnumbered and they had to use chocolate! Amateurs. (Although...secretly...I was jealous for not thinking of that idea myself...)

The rest of that flight seemed even worse. Both girls were extra hyper and just difficult to entertain. I've since decided that if I had to have some sort of freakish deformity, an extra set of arms would be ideal. I'm sure I'd be the envy of all other moms...

The layover in St. Louis was 2 hours long. Then the flight to Philadelphia was delayed another hour...soo...I broke down and got Jocee fries from Burger King while Sophie napped. Horrible, I know! But so worth it! She was so happy and content after she ate.

She boarded the plane to PA like a pro and sat quietly until the plane was in the air. One would think that she's been traveling all her life. We were so lucky to sit next to the kindest lady for the flights to PA and RI. She was an angel! She offered to hold Sophie whenever I needed and even helped me with getting off the plane in Providence. Everyone thought she was the girls' grandmother. That woman may never know how much she really helped me or how grateful I am that she did.

After a very long day, we finally got to my parents house around midnight. Once we got there Sophie had a breakdown. She was inconsolable for almost an hour. I think the craziness of the day finally overwhelmed her. I finally got to bed at 2:00 am. Yikes.

Now that's it's over, I can say that it really wasn't that bad. It's definitely not something that I'd want to do often. But it was worth it!



Oh, and I totally love Combi strollers!! We have this one...

...in red.



I also want to thank Crystal and Elizabeth!!
Crystal mentioned bringing crayons and coloring books.
Elizabeth recommended bringing a magnedoodle (sp?).
Two simple things that helped so much!!

I Love When This Happens...

Hand-me-downs!!

(Jocee, 7 months old)


(Sophie, 7 months old)

Since our girls were born during completely different seasons (April & November), Sophie can't always take advantage of all the cute clothes that Jocee got to wear. Ben picked this one shirt out while I was pregnant with Jocelyn.
(He actually had picked out an entire outfit with coordinating pea coat. But alas, pea coats aren't necessary in the month of June!)

Side note: Ironically Ben is also wearing the same t-shirt in both photos! It's probably not the exact same shirt... He just really likes Hanes! haha)

Glutton for Punishment

At some point, in the near future, I will be taking a very long flight to Boston, Massachusetts with these two lovely ladies in tow...


Actually, it will be two flights (including that inevitable connecting flight). Originally I was going to be flying out with my sister once she gets done with school at the end of July. BUT..I changed my mind for a variety of reasons.

• 4th of July is my most favorite holiday-ever. (It seemed silly to miss it.)
  
• We only visit my side of the family once a year, so why not say just a little bit longer this time?
• My parents are the best grandparents ever! I so wish that they had been my grandparents! They always miss the girls.
  
• We really want to move to a cheaper condo or house. (It's a total "renter's market" right now.) So it'll be easier for Ben to get things done with us girls being gone.
• Oh and how many parents have traveled with kids before? Other parents do it all the time! My aunt, Lori traveled with 3 kids--2 of which are 18 months apart...and she was fine! So, I can totally handle this, too!

I've been starting to plan the trip. I've been compiling a list of things to bring, while also trying to think through every possible situation. Maybe that's wasn't a good idea? I'm just making myself nervous! What was I thinking?? Well...I know what I was thinking (see above). But still...do I really have an idea of what I'm in for?

Both girls can get pretty scary without their scheduled naps. They thrive on their schedules. Then there's keeping them entertained for such a long time. Oh, and I'm sure temper tantrums will occur. And when these fits of rage take place, the dirty looks and potential rude comments from childless travelers.

I keep on thinking of that woman that was thrown off an airplane because her son wouldn't stop saying. "Bye-bye airplane!" And how a stewardess had said, "That's what Baby Benadryl is for!" Yikes. I know there was more to that story...
(Oh, but that biatch should know--You can't give Benadryl to babies! Sheesh!)

Luckily, we are flying Southwest! I've never had a bad experience with them. Everyone is always so nice and helpful. For now I'm just trying to plan for anything. I really don't want to be that parent that people look at, wondering why I can't handle my kids. Any ideas from experienced parents would be wonderful!!

I know I can do this. I'm sure I'll find out what I'm really made of! And just think of what an entertaining post that will make!

Anyway, that's all that has been on my mind lately.

(And Ben will be flying back with me, when we go home! Yays for that!)