Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
FYI ...
If you remember this post, you would not be surprised to learn that the hubs and I caved and purchased Missy Moo's very own ticket for our December trip. The stress of it was already keeping me up at night.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I Do Deserve a Medal....
As you know, we recently returned from a trip to NY. Flying standby allows for some pretty cheap flights and fly-by the seat of your pants opportunities. It also allows for some extra stress and requires and laid back attitude. None of this really bothered me until baby. In the past each get-away was a fun adventure; you never knew if the travel gods were going to cooperate or curse you.
Leading up to our trip I rearranged our trip dates since Ryan had a week of serious work backed up to a bachelor party in Vegas. Being the gold-medal deserving wife that I am, I decided to minimize the time spent apart by rearranging our trip to correspond to his busy week. However, flights were not as open as I would have liked. We had the option of flying Sunday morning on an early, early morning flight or flying a red-eye Saturday night. Obviously, the early morning flight was a better choice. However, there were minimal seats available and there was even a chance we wouldn't get on; that would suck! The red-eye, at last check before arriving at the airport, had 17 open seats. Without a doubt, that looked pretty good. We went with the red-eye which departed at 10:30 PM.
A 10:30 PM departure meant Missy Moo would miss her 6:30 PM bedtime by at least 4 hours. This was the start of my stress. And it did not stop there. By the time we arrived at the airport those 17 seats dwindled down to single digits. People must have bought last minute tickets or flight crews were hitching a ride to work or people like me were flying standby with a higher priority. As a I found this out my dream of obtaining a seat for Ella was pretty hopeless. However, I came armed with chocolates. Luckily for us, and I am not sure how this happened, but Ella and I snagged independent seats, a dream come true. Flying standby has its perks, sure. However, few airlines will move paying passengers for the comfort of a non-rev passenger. After all, they don't make money on us. Somehow, by the grace of the travel gods (combined with the chocolate bribes for the crew), Missy Moo and I each snagged a seat and next to each other. Obviously, being 14 months old she could not have a seat away from mine. Phew! And as much as I hate red-eyes, it was pretty painless. I enjoyed my personal TV, watching Cold Case and other crime shows while keeping a diligent eye on Ella's pacifier. If that thing fell out, who knew what would happen since she was not in a deep sleep. And before we knew it, the 5 hour flight was over. Ella was a supreme flyer, sleeping 3.5 hours. However, her patience had run out while waiting to deboard. She cried and cried and cried. And who could blame her? Her usual night's sleep consists of 12 hours and at the moment she only logged 3.5!
..........
Returning home was trickier. Since the NYC airports are notorious for delays, sitting on the tarmac, and the grumpiest customer service possible, I was not hopeful. I decided against another red-eye because although the flight was smooth, the catching up on sleep and getting back on routine was not. After hemming and hawing, I decided that the first direct flight of the morning would be best. Chances were that someone would miss the flight since it was so early, there would be less of a chance for delays, and consequently, we would snag a seat. But true to NY airports, nothing was easy. After waiting in line and talking to a rep, I was directed to another line that would "help". No such luck. In fact, they looked at me with two heads. So much for some privileges. With time running out and lines getting longer, it was looking bleak. I managed to find a semi-helpful lady who let me cut in front of a group and check me in. Unhappily, (this is where her demeanor changed) she gave my momma a gate pass so she could help me lug all the baby stuff to the gate. After all, I only have two hands.
So now it is dangerously close to boarding and we have yet to get in line for security. I am in a panic. My mom is running behind me and the security line is long. There is NO chance. NO CHANCE AT ALL. I manage to squeeze my way into the crew line ( hey, the guy let me) and by the grace of god, made it to the gate in time. Armed with my chocolate gesture, I try to snag a seat for Ella, but the guy barely looks at me. He could care less. There was no point so I keep my chocolate and I take the 5 minutes I have to use the restroom. I had intended on feeding Ella breakfast, grabbing something to eat for myself and drinking some Starbucks. None of that happened. But, we got ONE seat... Yup, one.
So, for 5.5 hours Ella sat on my lap. And for those of you who know Ella know that she is happiest when she is on the go. She does not sit on laps. She does not cuddle. And she certainly does not fall asleep on people. I knew it would be a long flight home. To make matters worse, we were in the middle seat. I had a gentleman to our left and a lady to our right. The fella was a father of 4 and was wonderful. He engaged Ella and was friendly and helpful. The lady, not so much. She must have been having a bad day.... or life. Anyways, I tried to keep Ella from kicking the seat in front of us. Impossible. I tried to feed her without letting her stick her hands in her food. Impossible. I decided against eating or drinking myself during the flight since I had no where to put it out of her reach.
We sang songs, tickled each other, talked about colors and what was going on around us, we looked at pictures, we read books, we played where is Ella's (hair, eyes, toes, belly....) and even managed to fall asleep for over an hour. I was armed with lollipops just in case it got bad. Luckily, I did not have to break them out (if you know me, you know this would have been tragic).
And we survived.
Now we get to do it again in less than three weeks. I keep threatening Ryan that he can take care of Ella while I sit elsewhere on the plane and relax...
Leading up to our trip I rearranged our trip dates since Ryan had a week of serious work backed up to a bachelor party in Vegas. Being the gold-medal deserving wife that I am, I decided to minimize the time spent apart by rearranging our trip to correspond to his busy week. However, flights were not as open as I would have liked. We had the option of flying Sunday morning on an early, early morning flight or flying a red-eye Saturday night. Obviously, the early morning flight was a better choice. However, there were minimal seats available and there was even a chance we wouldn't get on; that would suck! The red-eye, at last check before arriving at the airport, had 17 open seats. Without a doubt, that looked pretty good. We went with the red-eye which departed at 10:30 PM.
A 10:30 PM departure meant Missy Moo would miss her 6:30 PM bedtime by at least 4 hours. This was the start of my stress. And it did not stop there. By the time we arrived at the airport those 17 seats dwindled down to single digits. People must have bought last minute tickets or flight crews were hitching a ride to work or people like me were flying standby with a higher priority. As a I found this out my dream of obtaining a seat for Ella was pretty hopeless. However, I came armed with chocolates. Luckily for us, and I am not sure how this happened, but Ella and I snagged independent seats, a dream come true. Flying standby has its perks, sure. However, few airlines will move paying passengers for the comfort of a non-rev passenger. After all, they don't make money on us. Somehow, by the grace of the travel gods (combined with the chocolate bribes for the crew), Missy Moo and I each snagged a seat and next to each other. Obviously, being 14 months old she could not have a seat away from mine. Phew! And as much as I hate red-eyes, it was pretty painless. I enjoyed my personal TV, watching Cold Case and other crime shows while keeping a diligent eye on Ella's pacifier. If that thing fell out, who knew what would happen since she was not in a deep sleep. And before we knew it, the 5 hour flight was over. Ella was a supreme flyer, sleeping 3.5 hours. However, her patience had run out while waiting to deboard. She cried and cried and cried. And who could blame her? Her usual night's sleep consists of 12 hours and at the moment she only logged 3.5!
..........
Returning home was trickier. Since the NYC airports are notorious for delays, sitting on the tarmac, and the grumpiest customer service possible, I was not hopeful. I decided against another red-eye because although the flight was smooth, the catching up on sleep and getting back on routine was not. After hemming and hawing, I decided that the first direct flight of the morning would be best. Chances were that someone would miss the flight since it was so early, there would be less of a chance for delays, and consequently, we would snag a seat. But true to NY airports, nothing was easy. After waiting in line and talking to a rep, I was directed to another line that would "help". No such luck. In fact, they looked at me with two heads. So much for some privileges. With time running out and lines getting longer, it was looking bleak. I managed to find a semi-helpful lady who let me cut in front of a group and check me in. Unhappily, (this is where her demeanor changed) she gave my momma a gate pass so she could help me lug all the baby stuff to the gate. After all, I only have two hands.
So now it is dangerously close to boarding and we have yet to get in line for security. I am in a panic. My mom is running behind me and the security line is long. There is NO chance. NO CHANCE AT ALL. I manage to squeeze my way into the crew line ( hey, the guy let me) and by the grace of god, made it to the gate in time. Armed with my chocolate gesture, I try to snag a seat for Ella, but the guy barely looks at me. He could care less. There was no point so I keep my chocolate and I take the 5 minutes I have to use the restroom. I had intended on feeding Ella breakfast, grabbing something to eat for myself and drinking some Starbucks. None of that happened. But, we got ONE seat... Yup, one.
So, for 5.5 hours Ella sat on my lap. And for those of you who know Ella know that she is happiest when she is on the go. She does not sit on laps. She does not cuddle. And she certainly does not fall asleep on people. I knew it would be a long flight home. To make matters worse, we were in the middle seat. I had a gentleman to our left and a lady to our right. The fella was a father of 4 and was wonderful. He engaged Ella and was friendly and helpful. The lady, not so much. She must have been having a bad day.... or life. Anyways, I tried to keep Ella from kicking the seat in front of us. Impossible. I tried to feed her without letting her stick her hands in her food. Impossible. I decided against eating or drinking myself during the flight since I had no where to put it out of her reach.
We sang songs, tickled each other, talked about colors and what was going on around us, we looked at pictures, we read books, we played where is Ella's (hair, eyes, toes, belly....) and even managed to fall asleep for over an hour. I was armed with lollipops just in case it got bad. Luckily, I did not have to break them out (if you know me, you know this would have been tragic).
And we survived.
Now we get to do it again in less than three weeks. I keep threatening Ryan that he can take care of Ella while I sit elsewhere on the plane and relax...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What Happens in NY Stays in NY
I took my first red-eye flight. I was a good girl and slept 3.5 hours. However, I was so OVER it when we landed. I did pitch a mini-fit. After all, I was tired. Instead of my normal 12 hour nightly nap, I only managed a 3.5 snooze. Mommy totally understood.
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Grampy was excited to give me my first flying saucer. I managed to eat 90% of it before Mommy took it away. Grampy wanted to feed me ice cream every night, but Mommy put her foot down. She is such a Debbie Downer.
As you can see, I totally enjoyed each and every bit.
While in NY I got to see some of mommy's college friends, Andrea and Nikki. We played. It was so fun. Gabi taught me all about the Disney Princesses. I have a lot to learn!
Grammy and Grampy took me to Lucy's for dinner. I had this A-MA-ZING meatball.
While we were out to eat Great Aunt Vi came in. Funny thing, when I was in town last September we ran into Aunt Vi the one night we were at Lucy's. Guess you can say that Aunt Vi and I crave Italian at the same time.
I had many, many visitors while in NY. My new friend Audrey came over to play. She is FUNNY and liked to run around in the buff. My mommy kept laughing.
I met cousin Bree. We got along famously. I plan on teaching her everything I know.
Isn't Bree cute?
Gramy and Grampy gave me lots of attention.
I got to visit with my great grandpa at cousin Cheryl's bridal shower. Mommy loved seeing him too!
I attended my second bridal shower. This was special to me since I got to see my mom's family that lives far away. I had so much fun.
All the girls on my Grammy's side minus cousin Jennifer.
FOUR generations.
Cousin Alex and I
It was a great trip. I can't wait to go back in December although I am sure my mommy is not looking forward to the plane ride!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ella and Mommy's Big Adventure
Ella and mommy went on a BIG, week-long, cross-country adventure. We just returned (hence, the blog drought). And I must tell you, it was QUITE an adventure.
Here is a teaser....
Photo taken during take-off at 10:30 PM, the start of our red-eye flight...
Here is a teaser....
Photo taken during take-off at 10:30 PM, the start of our red-eye flight...
Monday, March 29, 2010
Florida Vacation~ The Trip Home
It's me again, Ella. I am again guest blogging for Mommy since she has social studies tests to grade. I told her just to give all her kiddos A's, but she won't. Anyways, I thought I would update the blog so she could work on her paper grading. Aren't I thoughtful?
Anywho, I did leave a teaser that this entry was going to be about our return trip. Indeed it will. Let me emphasize that I was a REALLY good girl on all THREE travel days to Florida. People were constantly stopping to talk, flirt and compliment me and I just ate up all the attention. I really was that good. And this is where I made my mistake; I set the expectation bar too high.
So this is my explanation:
1. I was REALLY tired. We were go go go all vacation long and the sun exposure did not help.
2. My mommy and daddy woke me at 3 am for a 2 hour car ride BEFORE our first flight. We all know that the best sleep happens in a bed during routine sleeping hours. Duh!
3. I did not want to leave Grammy and Grampy. I was protesting.
4. I was squished. Airline seats are tight to begin with, but there was a rather large gentleman sitting next to my daddy. Hence, my daddy was squished into my mommy and we were all squished into the window. Not comfortable even if you are sitting on the two people you love most in the world.
5. I had to eat crappy packaged purees. What happened to the fresh stuff and the gelato I had a taste of?
6. I filled my diaper and when I say filled, I mean FILLED. They did not change me for over an hour. I know the seat belt light was on and everything, but for the sake of everyone on board the plane and for my bottom, I should have been changed. It was really not my fault that my diaper became over saturated and leaked all over mommy.
7. We had a 3 hour layover in SEATAC. So let me lay this out for you. A 2 hour car ride, a 6 hour flight, a 3 hour layover, and a 30 minute flight. I don't care if you are a saint or an angel, a day like this is no fun. I can guarantee you, that my mommy was having a hard time keeping it together. She wanted to fuss, stomp her feet, and throw a mini-tantrum. I know. She told me.
So, when all is said and done, I might not have been a perfect angel on the return trip but I couldn't have been that bad; mommy and daddy are already talking about Spring Break next year!
1,976,567 Sloppy Kisses,
Ella
Anywho, I did leave a teaser that this entry was going to be about our return trip. Indeed it will. Let me emphasize that I was a REALLY good girl on all THREE travel days to Florida. People were constantly stopping to talk, flirt and compliment me and I just ate up all the attention. I really was that good. And this is where I made my mistake; I set the expectation bar too high.
So this is my explanation:
1. I was REALLY tired. We were go go go all vacation long and the sun exposure did not help.
2. My mommy and daddy woke me at 3 am for a 2 hour car ride BEFORE our first flight. We all know that the best sleep happens in a bed during routine sleeping hours. Duh!
3. I did not want to leave Grammy and Grampy. I was protesting.
4. I was squished. Airline seats are tight to begin with, but there was a rather large gentleman sitting next to my daddy. Hence, my daddy was squished into my mommy and we were all squished into the window. Not comfortable even if you are sitting on the two people you love most in the world.
5. I had to eat crappy packaged purees. What happened to the fresh stuff and the gelato I had a taste of?
6. I filled my diaper and when I say filled, I mean FILLED. They did not change me for over an hour. I know the seat belt light was on and everything, but for the sake of everyone on board the plane and for my bottom, I should have been changed. It was really not my fault that my diaper became over saturated and leaked all over mommy.
7. We had a 3 hour layover in SEATAC. So let me lay this out for you. A 2 hour car ride, a 6 hour flight, a 3 hour layover, and a 30 minute flight. I don't care if you are a saint or an angel, a day like this is no fun. I can guarantee you, that my mommy was having a hard time keeping it together. She wanted to fuss, stomp her feet, and throw a mini-tantrum. I know. She told me.
So, when all is said and done, I might not have been a perfect angel on the return trip but I couldn't have been that bad; mommy and daddy are already talking about Spring Break next year!
1,976,567 Sloppy Kisses,
Ella
Sunday, March 28, 2010
We're BAAAAACK!
OMG! It has been sooooo long, but I have been a very busy little girl! I went to visit my Grammy and Grampy in Florida this past week. Let me tell you all about it!
It took us FOREVER to get there and I am only slightly exaggerating. We flew to Seattle on Sunday and stayed in a hotel. Then on Monday we flew to Orlando and stayed in another hotel. On Monday we drove 4 hours to Naples. My mommy and daddy learned a few lessons. 1. Always, always, always fly direct no matter how much the tickets cost or in their case, flying privileges. 2. When sharing a hotel room with me, I dictate bedtime. If you stay up, I stay up. I bet next time they get a suite. This would have been a good idea since I do hit the hay at 6:30. But, I must say, I was a pretty agreeable little girl. Three days of travel tired me out. I even slept the entire 4 hours from Orlando to Naples.
Finally I arrived to Grammy and Grampy's. Grammy dressed me up in some of my new clothes. She likes to buy me my wardrobe and I am NOT joking! My mom had to bring an extra suitcase for my new digs. I also wore my hat from cousin Jennifer. I love it. And the shirt I am modeling in this picture if from Mrs. Edwards. She likes to buy me dolls.
I went swimming, but I was very diligent about protecting my fair skin from the sun and wrinkles.
I turned 10 months old while in Florida. I brought my E for my monthly birthday shot, but I was not very cooperative.
I got to spend time with my Grampy. He always calls me "Sweetie" or "Lovey".
We went to the beach. It took my entourage 60 minutes to pack for the beach, 40 minutes to drive to the beach, and then they only let me stay for 30 minutes! They say it was because I was tired, but that is so not true! I think THEY were hungry. I was perfectly happy eating my sand toys and sand.
I had a blast!
Mommy and I played in the sand and even went in the water.
I swam more.
And I spent lots of time with Grammy. She sure does love me and I love her too. She let mommy and daddy go on dates while we played.
I also had gelato which mommy and daddy emphasized that it was a treat.
As you can see, Florida was a blast! I can't wait to go back. Tune in tomorrow and I will tell you all about my trip home. I might have been easy on the way to Florida, but not so much on the way back.
A million kisses and a boatload of hugs,
ELLA
It took us FOREVER to get there and I am only slightly exaggerating. We flew to Seattle on Sunday and stayed in a hotel. Then on Monday we flew to Orlando and stayed in another hotel. On Monday we drove 4 hours to Naples. My mommy and daddy learned a few lessons. 1. Always, always, always fly direct no matter how much the tickets cost or in their case, flying privileges. 2. When sharing a hotel room with me, I dictate bedtime. If you stay up, I stay up. I bet next time they get a suite. This would have been a good idea since I do hit the hay at 6:30. But, I must say, I was a pretty agreeable little girl. Three days of travel tired me out. I even slept the entire 4 hours from Orlando to Naples.
Finally I arrived to Grammy and Grampy's. Grammy dressed me up in some of my new clothes. She likes to buy me my wardrobe and I am NOT joking! My mom had to bring an extra suitcase for my new digs. I also wore my hat from cousin Jennifer. I love it. And the shirt I am modeling in this picture if from Mrs. Edwards. She likes to buy me dolls.
I went swimming, but I was very diligent about protecting my fair skin from the sun and wrinkles.
I turned 10 months old while in Florida. I brought my E for my monthly birthday shot, but I was not very cooperative.
I got to spend time with my Grampy. He always calls me "Sweetie" or "Lovey".
We went to the beach. It took my entourage 60 minutes to pack for the beach, 40 minutes to drive to the beach, and then they only let me stay for 30 minutes! They say it was because I was tired, but that is so not true! I think THEY were hungry. I was perfectly happy eating my sand toys and sand.
I had a blast!
Mommy and I played in the sand and even went in the water.
I swam more.
And I spent lots of time with Grammy. She sure does love me and I love her too. She let mommy and daddy go on dates while we played.
I also had gelato which mommy and daddy emphasized that it was a treat.
As you can see, Florida was a blast! I can't wait to go back. Tune in tomorrow and I will tell you all about my trip home. I might have been easy on the way to Florida, but not so much on the way back.
A million kisses and a boatload of hugs,
ELLA
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