Thanksgiving in CA--pt 1

Joshua and I headed back to CA...and took the monkeys with us...to spend the holiday with my parents and our friends, Art and LaVerne. Originally, the trip was to mostly be a Disneyland vacation, but since Trev broke his arm, we regrouped to a more low key holiday. One of the most exciting parts of the trip was that it was Carter's first time on an airplane. Personally, I was petrified about taking our crazy two year old on a flight where he had to be confined and obedient for a significant amount of time. Joshua of course in true fashion, was absolutely sure he'd be a pillar of awesome behavior!

We arrived at the airport on Saturday for our flight and all three monkeys were very excited. Carter did great going through security, and even answered the TSA agent when he was asked what his name was (I almost fell over as he almost never talks to strangers, especially on cue!). Trevor had to stand for a special search due to his arm being in a cast and he was very brave through that too! When we got to the gate, Joshua was called up to the desk and like usually happens to him when he travels, they wanted to upgrade him to First Class (for free!) because the flight was full. Super husband that he is, he asked if they'd put me up there, and he chose to stay with Em, Trev and Carter in the back of the plane. Carter did great on the flight...I never once heard him screaming in the back like I feared he would lol. We had a plane change in Denver and just as we were about to board the second flight, Joshua once again worked his "I am a seasoned flier" magic...and this time got ALL of us upgraded to First Class FOR FREE! And this upgrade was just spectacular. "How cool" First Class is depends on the size of the plane and the length of the flight. The bigger the plane and the longer the flight, the better. Well, this was a HUGE plane and a 2+ hr flight...so we got the royal treatment!! Drinks served in glass cups, warm nuts in china dishes, a choice of full lunch served on a tray placed over a tablecloth (at a time where in the back of the plane they don't even hand out tiny bags of peanuts anymore), hot washcloths folded in cute shapes provided so you can "wash up" after your long travels, being referred to by name...it goes on and on! Needless to say, we had a blast and it was a super cool experience to share with our kiddos. Carter slept almost all of the way (thank goodness as it was past naptime!) and Emilee and Trevor showed super manners and behavior. Toward the end of the flight the attendants shared that they kinda freaked out when they saw three children on the manifest in Frist Class, thinking that it would be the flight from hell...and they were VERY impressed by how our monkeys behaved the whole flight!


Shuttle bus on the way to the aiport


Carter's carseat rigged to the top of a rollaboard briefcase...viola...a pint sized seat with wheels!

Is that OUR AIRPLANE, Daddy?!

Carter's first flight!

The monkeys enjoying one of Daddy's frequent flier perks...admission to the elusive Red Carpet Room (bet most of you didn't even know this secret oasis hidden in the airport even existed, eh?!).

The best way to enjoy First Class...

Trev enjoying his First Class lunch

Joshua and I opted for the chicken salad

Gotta get the captain's autograph of course!

Hey girl, bring it in easy, OK?! You get extra points for a soft landing!