Northern California 1

For the last few weeks your mom and I have been prepping you on our upcoming trip to California.  We do our best to explain air travel, time zones, and the importance of keeping to the schedule.  And we continue to read your Nola photo book and point out Aunt Laura, Uncle Jason, Mozi and Ruby.  

"This is Aunt Laura and Uncle Jason.  Who's this?  That's right!  That's Mozi.  And- yes, sweetheart, that's Ruby.  Good girl!  We're going to visit them soon.  We're going to go to the airport and get on an airplane and fly to San Francisco, California.  That's where they live.  We live in Chicago, Illinois."

I know this sounds like we're dumbing it down, but right now that's how it is.  

Anyway...

My bag - check.  You and your mom's bag - check.  My carry on - check.  Your mom's purse - check.  Your mom's carry on which includes diapers, an extra outfit, food, a good portion of your books and toys - check.  Your stroller - check.  Your car seat - check.

As you might imagine, you were packed several days ago.  I did most of mine Xmas eve.

On Xmas day, we loaded up the taxi and went to Ohare.  Then we unloaded the taxi and dragged everything into the airport terminal.  Maybe dragged is too strong a word.  Lugged.

Surprisingly, the aiport was fairly crowded.  Although most were either Asian or Jewish.

We dropped off the bags and were much more fancy free.  That said, going through security with your car seat is ALWAYS a pain.  I have to take it out if its bag.  Then I need to point out to a TSA person that it won't fit though the thing.  Then I have to wait, and wait, and wait as they fondle it, xray it, and swab it.  Sure, they can see you and your mom right there.  It's a slim chance we've hidden something dangerous in the slim padding of your seat (save some sort of ancient piece of apple or cracker), BUT there IS a chance - however slim.

Grrrrrrrrr...

The airport is probably not unlike the zoo for you.  It's full of all kinds of wild animals of all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors.  

Hi.  Hi.  Hi.  Hi.  What you do today?  Hi.

"Sweetheart, please come back to Daddy.  Nola."

Hi.  Hi.  Dalmi, what you do today?

"Nola.  Nola, please come to Daddy."

Mommy!  I want Mommy.  Mommy!

"I know, sweetie.  She went to get something for us to eat.  She'll be right back."

I want MOMMY! MOMMY!

Your mom came back, we boarded the plane, and took our seats.  Then we flew to San Francisco.  One thing we've determined from all our traveling with you - you do NOT sleep on airplanes.