Where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.

So, our flight has been booked, we’re on our way to see the prairie dogs in 2 ½ weeks. My sister has been flooding me with information on what to do and where to go in her adopted state, but I’m more concerned about the trip there. In case you’re new or just new as AMD likes to say, I have twins. Toddlers, to be exact. Oh, and I forgot to tell you. A husband that doesn’t particularly care for those 27 ton (when empty) metal transportation devices. Anyone want to take my place? My sister has a nice house, her dogs don’t fight all the time and my nephew will teach you how to ace Zelda in one day. Anyone? Heeeellloooo?

Okay, so we’re taking them on their first flight. My first flight was not long after AMD was born. I was almost two and it was a twenty-two hour flight. Since then, I’ve been on many planes and, although I’m claustrophobic and afraid of heights, I really don’t mind it at all. I focus on the destination, whether it’s to the vacation spot or back home to my warm safe bed. Either way, I’m going exactly where I want to be. My mom will be with us and we’ll be holding the Beans in our laps for the duration of the flights. There is one layover each way, but we have an hour in between flights, which should give us ample time to find our gate and get settled.

Should be easy right?

I’m a great packer (well, except for the time we went to Chicago and I “forgot” a jacket and had to get a little denim one at The Gap) so I have no doubt about bringing more than what we’ll need, but ever so efficiently. I’m getting umbrella strollers to take with us, so we don’t have to maneuver the SBS through the crowd, and we’ll have to check the car seats. Will we ever see them again?

My primary concern is HRP. J is a little nervous, but he is sure that he’ll be fine, especially because the girls will be with us to distract him. HRP on the other hand…Well, she didn’t just get her looks from her daddy. She doesn’t prefer crowds. She’ll entertain you if she’s the one doing the entertaining, but if you enter her space, she’ll freak out on you. She does not like space invaders. (AMD knows all too well about this. When she was in town for Christmas, M would have nothing to do with her and we’re sure it’s because her auntie is a little…well…loud.) I don’t know how she’ll react on the plane, but I’m not liking our odds. Because, if she doesn’t withdraw into a pool of anxiety, she will do the opposite. She’ll squirm to get down and explore the new environment, she’ll squeal with delight at the silliest things and she’ll hoot and holler with abandon. To me, it’s the best – to see her full of life and mischief. To the baby-haters (you know the ones…when you sit down at your local Appleday’s, they glare at you with disapproving eyes and signal the waitress for the check), it means that they won’t get the power nap they were planning on or the flight attendants will be too busy oohing and ahhing over the Beans to promptly deliver the gin and tonic so desperately needed. Either way, it’ll be interesting.

I’ll be happy when we land in Buffalo Town, safe and sound. Until then, let the stressing begin.

By the way, did I tell you that the cost for the three seats was $666.30? I’m not superstitious or anything but…Yes I am. WTF? If anything happens, I hereby bequeath my books to Stacy and Miss E. to be split between the two and Annmarie can have my dogs. Her baby Y needs a snack.