Yesterday we flew up to Northern California to spend Thanksgiving at Mike’s parents’ house. Mike’s sister Monica and her family drove up from LA a few days ago. We’d been prepping Annie for the trip for a week. We’d say, “We’re going to go on an airplane! In the sky! And when we land we’re going to see your cousins!” Annie would always say, “Cousins! Airplane! Oh boy!” We woke Annie up before the sunrise and headed to the airport. She was tired and had no interest in walking, so Mike and I took turns carrying her through the airport. When we got to our seats she finally perked up. “Airplane! OH BOY!” I had a bag of toys ready to go, but at first all Annie wanted to do was sit there excitedly.
“Annie on airplane! Oh boy!”
We took off and Annie hollered, “ANNIE FLYING!” She started clapping and everyone around us laughed. The flight was only 55 minutes, but I wasn’t going to let her get bored and antsy. I started her off with a brand new Dora the Explorer coloring book.
I want to kiss whoever invented the markers that only color the paper. That person is a damn genius. I have never felt so relaxed while Annie colored. When she tired of that, I pulled out her two current favorite dollies, Lola and Lolita (yes, those are her dolls’ names, Lolita has no clothes!), and we took turns making them dance.
Although…Mike had more fun cuddling Lola.
As the plane started its descent I gave her some Hawaiian Sweet Bread and she yelled, “Oh boy, FOOD!” like she’d never eaten before. Then, something fired in her brain and she shouted, “Turkey says ‘gobble, gobble!'” I think the pressure in her ears lead to her volume issues, but she only shouted a few times and everything she said made the people around us laugh. Nonetheless, I still apologized to everyone while simultaneously shushing Annie. After we landed I asked Annie her thoughts:
I was so pleased with how well she did on the plane. It had been a while since she’d flown and all the factors were in place for a disastrous flight. But she was perfect and charming. She definitely earned her baggage claim dance party:
Now we’re at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and the love fest is just beginning.
“Annie, Kayla, hug, looooooove.”
gorillabuns says:
The only time my kids have been on an airplane, Moira promptly puked on Rich at the first hour marker of our 3 1/2 hour journey. I was drinking doubles while stuffing placebo Xanax in my face.
Yes, it was the best family vacation, EVAH!
Lynda M O says:
What a glorious sight-hugging cousins. May the fellowship be a lifelong joy to all the family. Happy Thanksgiving, Spohr people.
Jenn says:
Hi Heather!!!
I’m so glad your flight went well & Annie did so awesome!!! That’s GREAT!!! I LOVE the picture of the 3 of you on the plane….definitely a framer. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the time you have with Mike’s family! You all deserve it!!
AmazingGreis says:
Yay, Annie. Have a great holiday and eat some turkey/stuffing/salad/bread for me…you know, since I’ll be in line at Target!!
Happy Thanksgiving, Spohr’s!
Jessica says:
I don’t comment often, but felt it was necessary with this post. I read your blog every morning at work when I should be starting my day off with work stuff. This post was awesome! I am laughing out loud thinking about Annie saying Oh Boy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lanie says:
Yeah for Annie (and you and Mike) for having such a fantastic flight. Love the baggage claim dance party! Have a great trip and a very Happy Thanksgiving! Take care.
Jessica says:
So sweet, love her coat and her cheeks :). So glad the flight went well, have a great Thanksgiving.
susana says:
does annie really say “oh boy” all the time?! that’s uber cute!
susan says:
OMG she is so cute, that picture of her dancing at baggage claim made me happy!
Katie says:
The picture of you, Mike & Annie on the airplane? PRECIOUS!!!! Have a great Thanksgiving!!!!
Rachel says:
She is so gorgeous. Seriously.
Shan says:
She is soooo absolutely adorable. You guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You are truly blessed, she is a delight!
Rebecca says:
When we flew southwest (back in October) it was awesome because they had entertainment. The flight attendants took turns telling jokes and singing silly songs. It was Awesome!
Laura says:
She is seriously one of the cutest kids I have EVER seen..and I don’t just hand out compliments willy nilly.
Karen says:
Looks like you guys are in my neck of the woods! Sorry the weather is so crappy!! Hope you guys have a great time and that the flight back is even more awesome!
Amy K says:
Wait…what? Markers that only color the paper??? This could be LIFE CHANGING.
Annie is so hilarious.
Tami says:
Im so far behind on your post!! Annie is so adorable and you are so blessed to have her!! Happy ThanksGiving, Heather, Mike , Annie and Rigby!!
AmyinBC says:
I love the look she is giving Mike who is loving up the baby Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! Love Annie’s coat, quite the stylish girl
Becca_Masters says:
thats too cute.
have a great thanksgiving!
Anna says:
Love the coat! Love the boots! Love the Annie!
Jessica says:
Is that San Jose Airport? An airport I know well. Annie is such a joy!! She’s one of those kids I would have loved to sit near on a plane. She’s so sweet!
edenland says:
There’s markers that only colour paper? OH BOY!!
xx
Audra says:
So glad that Miss A had a good flight. I love the baggage claim dance party. My oldest (5) flew in an airplane for the first time this summer. She loved it, but I was worried that maybe we’d waited too long and she would be afraid.
Kristen says:
Heather, are the markers you’re talking about the Crayola Color Wonder markers?? I need to know so I can buy some for my daughter!!
Mike says:
Hi Kristen… Yes! Those are the ones! They are great.
Auntie_M says:
Awesome! Love her enthusiasm and joy!