We're Here! We Made It... Alive!

I apologize in advance for the lack of quality in my photos. Due to our all day traveling adventure I had to document with just my phone.

Our full day of travel came, and I'm happy to report we made it to the Midwest alive and well!

That's not to say there weren't a few bumps along our path home...

If you're planning to travel solo with a toddler I highly recommend this nifty little Ride-On Carry-On seat that attached to my carry-on luggage. It was my lifesaver.

Scott was able to walk us to our gate. Watching my little man and my main man as they viewed planes coming and going made me a bit misty-eyed. It finally sunk in that we wouldn't see Scott for weeks.

After a few short minutes and quick good-byes it was just Marcus and me. I had a few toys and plenty of food, but the real entertainment was watching all the aviation activity outside, and the travel chair. Marcus had a ball climbing up and getting down out of the chair. 

Our first flight was the "long" one. Two hours to Denver. And, our flight was full. Awesome. No one wants to sit next to the lady with a toddler. No one. But, no one wanted to avoid the middle seat next to us more than the lady who actually ended up sitting by us.

This particular passenger was wearing a surgical mask... And a fanny pack. I knew this wasn't going to be good.

Just before take off Marcus let one huge sneeze fly, nose mist flew to the high heavens. I could literally feel the woman recoil. She unzipped her fanny pack, wiped down her arm, and then the arm rest. I'm a bit shocked she didn't wipe Marcus and me down, too. Not two seconds after she'd disinfected everything Marcus chucked his sippy cup at her, and it landed square in her lap. I'm pretty sure the lady had a small heart attack. I profusely apologized as I snatched the sippy cup away. The fanny pack was opened again, and this time everything was wiped down with alcohol wipes. She wasn't about to mess around with the second wave of Marcus spittle.

Lucky for all of us, Marcus fell asleep just before take off, and stayed asleep most of the flight. Hallelujah! But, let's not forget to mention just after waking, and 30 minutes prior to landing, Marcus decided that would be a good time to fill his pants. In case you haven't flown in awhile, 30 minutes before landing is when you can no longer "move about the cabin." So, we all got to bask in that glorious smell. *sigh*

He's asleep and I'm doing my best not to touch surgical mask woman.

A quick layover in Denver was enough for a bathroom break and a quick snack. I just knew the hour flight to Omaha would be a breeze. But, after a two hour nap and some food Marcus was ready to move. He did well, all things considered... 

Then we started to land. Marcus kept tugging his ears, and I knew the pressure was bothering him. That's when it happened. The uncontrollable screaming and crying. I was that mom, he was that kid. Nothing I said or did made his situation better. I wanted to crawl under my seat and die. 

But, we landed, and no one died. So I think we can go ahead and consider that a victory. 

Because we had been so cooped up, and had an hour drive to my parents still in front of us, we stopped in a little town to let Marcus play and burn some energy.

It was obvious he enjoyed stretching his little legs.

Smart move on our part, as the car ride proved to be another opportunity for a nap. 

When we finally arrived at my parents house Marcus had a difficult time adjusting. I started to wonder if I'd made the right decision bringing him. When we went outside to play I knew everything would be just fine.

He couldn't get enough of the wide open grassy space. He would move his little legs as fast as they would carry him all around the yard. Flopping down and feeling the grass between his fingers brought jovial bursts of laughter.

The sound of summer filled the evening; bull-frogs croaking away, birds chirping, crickets singing. It was all music to my ears. And, the smell of fresh cut grass was just the intoxicant we needed before calling it an evening.

Our day was long, and though I second-guessed our travels, something tells me this trip is going to be one full of love, laughter, and many beautiful memories...

We're home!!