And We're Off!!!

I have to admit something here to everyone that reads this blog. When I leave, I cry. It doesn't matter where I leave, how long I've been there, or where I'm going... I always cry. It's one of those things that you try to call endearing to make yourself feel better, but secretly it's a negative attribute that clouds ones personality. When Maddie was born, I promised myself that I would try really, really hard not to pass that personality trait on to her. Life is about enjoying the moment and looking forward to the wonderful possibilities that come your way.

Obviously, she is older now and more aware of the whole leaving aspect. She's aware of what "missing you" feels like... it hurts sometimes and I don't blame her one little bit for trying to avoid it at all costs. The way Maddie is growing up though, she is always going to be missing somebody, but I want her to learn that she gets to go on life adventures and then come back to share all that she has learned, hopefully enriching her life and the lives of everyone she touches.

The adventures this summer have been most excellent. Thanks to Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Earl for getting us set up in our new home. Thanks to Connor and Sam for spending such quality time with us and building memories. Thanks to Susan and Doug for striving to bring the family together for special occasions (you prove that it CAN be done)! Thanks to Larry and Kim for helping with move and sharing your wonderful AND GROWING family with us. Thanks to Grandma Dotty for showing us the Wild West and all the wonderful things it has to offer. There are so many thanks for so many things... this was just the tip of the iceberg.

So... we'll be missing you (the ones we saw and the ones we didn't... and we'll be looking forward to the next time we meet face to face where we'll enrich each others lives and enjoy the moment.

And.... WE'RE OFF!

What's Your Flight Plan?

The night before we fly, I always get Maddie's goodie bag together. She may not know it, but I have a flight plan for her that keeps her entertained!
Contents:
coloring books
crayons
markers
books
stickers
dvd player
movies
sticky notes
plastic scissors
Sudoku book (hey, she's my kid!)
juice
crackers....

I secretly knew that this flight would be a bit different though. Andy and I had saved enough miles so that we could upgrade to Business Class for the long haul back to the States. Maddie jumped into a Business Class seat and waited for me to ask her to move because that's what I always do!! But when I didn't ask her to move - I saw stars in her eyes!!!!!

The pilot walked by Maddie and said, "well doesn't that look like the little princess in the big princess chair?" He asked her if she wanted to come upstairs to the cockpit (it was a bubble plane) and I immediately jumped up asking if I could come too!! :) So we walked upstairs and talked with the pilot, the co-pilot and two other crew members in the cockpit. Maddie was shy BUT she did talk to the pilot and answered all the questions he asked of her, looking him in the eye the entire time - THANK YOU MS. PREETI FOR THAT!

Her flight plan was completely different that what I had in mind for her. She ate A LOT of food that started off with a special salad just for her appetizer (well la-de-da) and had a main course with dessert before she watched the Disney channel for a hour. She then rolled over, gave us kissed good night and proceeded to sleep for the next six hours. So, her flight plan was to milk those seats for all they were worth!

What's Your Next Flight Plan?