bravery

While visiting Sea World recently, Adam was amazed at all of the rides and people. He enjoyed watching it all and taking it all in, just as we did. But being in a crowded place like this, (and the airport, the city, the Riverwalk etc. ALL crowded places) it had me in SuperhyperoverprotectivenervousMom-mode. I was constantly watching that other adults weren't too close to the kids, that they weren't too far from us, that they weren't out of our sight for a minute. Then he saw the Atlantis.

 

He wanted to go on that ride so badly. And Mark was willing to go on it with him. My heart was walking away from me to take a horrifying dive through the sky and into a lake while held in place by a little seatbelt. But he was being "big" and he was feeling brave. And I decided that since Mark was going with him I could be be brave too. And off they went.

Adam's bravery paid off and he had a fantastic ride! My bravery paid off because I was able to let him go try something he wanted to do. Bravery requires faith and a deep breath.

the airplane

We arrived at the airport to check our bags in and these kids were totally excited!

A little snuggle with Mommy while we waited for boarding

Can't believe there are tables to work on and still SO SO excited

Ready Mom!

The parts of the airplane ride that are least pleasant for me are always the take-off and landing. For Adam's and Lucy's first flight, I wanted them to be as comfortable as possible with the least amount of worry; especially for the little girl aka Worry Wart. We talked about the procedure at the airport for security and check in, the amount of people at an airport, how they should behave on the airplane, what they should expect to see, what to do if you have to go to the bathroom, etc. I guess we did a good job, and they are just really great kids, because they acted like pros. Both kids were so filled with anticipation about the flight to San Antonio that they enjoyed every minute of it. Lucy felt "like I'm flying like a bird! I'm higher than the clouds!" Adam couldn't believe all the lights he could see and how fast we  must be going.
Now they say they are totally ready for Disney. Let the planning begin!

anticipation

Tomorrow is a big day. We are taking our first trip with the kids on an airplane! As San Antonio is our destination of choice for Columbus Day weekend, we all have excitement growing for visiting a new city. Lucy is excited for the plane, for Sea World and for swimming in the hotel pool. Adam is excited for the plane, for "the desert" (Texas automatically becomes the desert for some reason), and for the adventure itself. Mark and I are both eager to see their reactions to flying on the airplane. We are looking forward to seeing our dear friends Bob and Julie. We are looking forward to exploring the Riverwalk, Alamo and all the area has to offer. Mostly it is anticipation of getting away with our family. More to come...can't wait!

perspective

Last weekend was a fabulous family wedding. (see next blog post) Throughout the day and evening, my eyes were open to all that was going on around me. Like many women, I took in the dresses, the styles, the wedding decorations, the cake etc. Like many women attending weddings, I thought back to my own wedding with a smile on my face. My own observations had me laughing at the kids, catching my family in strange animated conversations. My eyes were open to all that was going on around me. But I guess my eyes weren't the only ones making observations...Apples and Trees so they say. Here is a piece of paper I found on our table at the reception. It is Adam's handwriting. He was too embarrassed to dance on the dance floor, being 7 he is now into a bit of "what does everyone think of me" phase.

His observations include: Lucy dancing on stage, old people dancing, old people on stage, person picking me up on stage.

This short little list of the wedding through his eyes just got added to my List of Things I Love About Adam. I need to remember to ask him who the "old people" were.