Flying With Two Kids: Our First Adventure!

After listening to Braylen and Evie squawk at different times on our way to/from Massanutten in August, I vowed that we would not drive to Raleigh to see our family the next time we went.

I stuck to my guns.

We went to Raleigh, NC for a long weekend and we flew.

It is 50 minutes from gate to gate and each of us live 15 minutes from the airport.  That versus a 6 hour drive on 95 through DC?  Um, I will eat Ramen noodles for a year if needed to avoid that trip at this season of our lives.

This was our second time flying with Evie.  We picked another short flight for our first flying experience; we flew to Boston.  Evie was 13 months and we timed our flights around her nap time.  She slept in our arms for the flight.  It was fairly easy.

This go around, we decided to fly during snack time.  I tend to plan driving trips around nap times and if they don't nap, it leads to a long, tantrum filled day.  I figured Evie would be too excited to sleep and Braylen won't sleep if we were holding him (unless it is between 11:30 PM and 6 AM).  It worked like a charm on the way there.

Two other things made a huge difference- Evie flew in her car seat AND strolled through the airport in her car seat.  No stroller needed thanks to my friend lending us their car seat cart.

Best. Contraption. Ever (for us)

We (and I mean Jason) prepped Evie all week for where and in what she would be sitting for the airplane ride.  He also explained Braylen had to ride on Mommy's lap since he is a baby.  We didn't want any fits that he got to sit with us and she was in the car seat.  Have no fear, she was more than happy to be in next to the window in her car seat.

My adorable traveling companions

I bought a book for her a while back about the experience of flying on an airplane.  She had stickers to match up with the story.  I think it was a little old for her since it kept her attention for about 1 more minute after I snapped these shots.

She did love the $3 magna-doodle I picked up at Target.  Another great recommendation from a more experienced flying mom :)

Braylen did well switching between our laps.  Yogurt bites, cheerios, books, and the arm rest kept him occupied.  He was content being strapped to me in the Ergo through the airport, which was a little surprising since he is rarely in it anymore.  I don't think he was even aware that we were doing something completely new and different.

Braylen's first flight!

I was really anxious before our trip for the flight.  Packing up everyone causes me stress.  But once I figured out who was getting us to the airport, it was smooth sailing right to Aunt Jen and Uncle Matt's front door.  We spent about 3.5 hours total from door to door and there was about 2 minutes of crying.  It was glorious!  This trip was also very possible because Aunt Jen had just about everything I needed for my family at her house- from a car seat for Braylen, pack n plays, high chairs, cups, to her pump for me.  It might not be this easy after Thomas cousin #2 arrives.