airplanes and airports, oh my!

I was a little nervous about flying with Ethan - my very curious toddler - all by myself and so packed up a ton of books, a toy train and lots of snacks to try and pass the 1.5 hour flight. On our way to Minnesota our flight left a little early and was fairly smooth.

Our journey home however, had a few minor bumps. Pete took a separate flight and airline home that left at 3:30 on Monday. Ethan and I were scheduled to fly out at 5 and so my dad and step mom dropped us off at the airport at 3. Enough time to check in, get through security and get the wiggles out before boarding the plane.

Ethan was already not having it while we waited in line to check in. (Understandable as we had just finished a 3 plus hour car ride and he has molars coming in). Once we got through security I checked the monitors to discover that our plane was delayed and expected to leave at 7:45!!! That left us with FOUR hours to kill at the airport before our flight left.

After a quick trip to the bathroom for a diaper change and a few tears (shed mainly by me) we set off and discovered the most wonderful blessing ever - a playland!
And so we broke up our 4 hour afternoon/evening by playing in the play land, walking laps around the terminal, getting a snack, walking around the chairs, diaper changes, etc.
Somehow, the time passed and it was time to board. Seeing as how it was 7:45 and already at least an hour past Ethan's usual bed time, he was one wired tired toddler. Ethan didn't sleep at all on the plane as there was just too much to do and see. He didn't cry but was one wild boy, and could hardly sit still. We got home at 9:45pm totally exhausted and finally got to go to sleep!

After the initial tears shed when I first learned we were stuck for 4 hours at the airport I got to thinking about all the blessings that God provided even though it was a crappy situation:

1. The lady who helped carry my luggage to the baggage drop off when she saw me struggling with a suitcase, pack n play, car seat and stroller with toddler who was starting to melt.

2. The lady who carried my stroller down to the airplane when she saw me trying to calm Ethan down.

3. The tray tables on the airplane. Seriously-this provided entertainment for at least a third of each of our flights.

4. The boy sitting in front of us on the airplane on our flight home who was playing his game boy. Ethan kept trying to peek through the seat to watch him and it helped to keep his attention even though he was so very tired.

5. The play land at the airport in Minneapolis!

6. Calm hearts. I prayed and prayed that especially on our flight home Ethan (and I) would be able to make it through without a meltdown and we made it! All a work of the Holy Spirit to be sure, considering that we both could have been a basket case after such a long day!