And We're Off to Illinois!

10 weeks old and Charlie took his first airplane ride.
Carl will be joining us next week so it was just Elena, Charlie and me to navigate through the airport.  Both kids were good and it helped that we had an awesome flight attendant.  During boarding Elena started to have a melt down because she would not be able to sit at the window (car seats must be placed at the window).  Before I could intervene, the flight attendant asked Elena if she would like to be her helper.  Of course Elena jumped at this.  The flight attendant explained she wouldn't need Elena until the end of the flight and Elena would only be able to help if she was good for the flight.

Elena did great.  It wasn't her first flight and she would have calmed down easily when she realized she was going to sit next to me.  Though, I am very grateful for the flight attendant's positive attention to Elena.  She loved helping.  Toward the end of the flight, Elena was taken to the back of the plane where she put on gloves and was to help with trash pick up.  According to the flight attendant, Elena helped with the first three rows and said "I've changed my mind."  She didn't help with any more trash but she did follow and watch.  After the trash was picked up, she handed it out peanuts.  As we taxied to the gate, the flight attendant gave Elena a special thank you over the intercom and the whole plane clapped.  She was so proud of herself.  While waiting for luggage, a few passengers cheered her on.  Elena didn't know what to do with all the attention.  This was a flight I will never forget :)