The Big Rock and The Fix It Ticket

I didn't mean to leave you hanging on the first class ticket to Hawaii. I will tell you, I promise. But first, a little about our trip to San Diego.

Hubby's work provided ten days for us in San Diego prior to our final move. And by us, I mean Hubby and me. We scheduled the trip around Christmas, and paid for our kids' expenses. This Christmas was particularly special for my mom. We have always lived 2500 miles away since we have had children, and spend Christmas at our home. My mom dreamed of having all of her grandchildren for Christmas at her house, and this year, it finally happened. I am only sorry I did not take more pictures of my parents' home, because going there for the holidays in an event. I will not ask what their electric bill runs for the month of December, or how their grass, rooftop, and trees do not catch on fire.

Our whole family spent Christmas Eve at Legoland. I felt a little guilty about not going to church. But when I checked the weather report it was the only day that we could all go, and freezing rain was not predicted. My nephew and my Son1 speak frequently on the phone and were tasting this day together for some time.

Christmas Day was spent at my parents' house.














Can you believe this is he best picture I took of my mom with the kids? It is hard to make ridiculous noises and jump up and down and try and get three people in a picture with a steady hand.













I convinced my mom to buy a gingerbread house for the kids to decorate. Aahh but my mom and I wisely tasked my unknowing sister to decorate the house with the children. Have you ever decorated a gingerbread house with preschoolers? Then you know what I am talking about!









On one of our last days in San Diego, my kids saw the Holiday Bowl parade from our hotel window. We were staying on the corner of Pacific Highway and Market Street, right on the parade route. San Diego is home to the largest balloon parade (grounded balloons, not hot air balloons). Can you recognize these?

These are the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales. See the wagon driver? He is sitting on cases and cases of beer. Do you know what AB owns in San Diego?

Here is a clue:

Did you guess Sea World?

And my favorite float was the Polynesian float because they played beats that flooded my heart from Hawaii!

My kids loved the parade!

Now...back to our story of the first class ticket. The kids and I were sitting in 12B and 12C. Hubs was supposed to be in 12A before he upgraded his ungrateful wife me to first class. We were having a pleading session with one another. He pleaded with me to take the ticket. I pleaded for him to give back the upgrade. He asked the gate agent, but it was too late. The whole plane had boarded, and they upgraded someone else to 12A in Economy Plus, with us. One of the two of us had to sit in the first class seat. The only option was if the person now in 12A wanted to move to 10A Hubs could sit back in his original seat. My whole anxiety was that I wanted to be with my kids. I am with them all of the time these days. To not be with them is strange. This is my new normal. I did not want to sit without them, next to a stranger. Okay, and maybe away from all of those desserts Hubs had just bought. (No judging if I gain any weight back! I am eating out for 60 days!) Hubs suggested that Son2 sit with me in first class. Noooo way. We have flown with our children in first class. Even the most well behaved kids get what we call "stink eye" in Hawaii. Hubs finally caved, and volunteered to sit in the seat with Son2, and Son1 and I would sit in Economy Plus. I still had hope, though.

Son1 and I found our seats in row 12 next to a bad attempt at a punk teen idol with the hair, the clothes, and the music. I am not kidding. I sat down ever so kindly, and threw myself at this young one. Could she possibly take 10A so my family could sit together? She didn't know what to make of my gentle forcefulness. (Did you know I once had dreams of being a hostage negotiator?) She gathered her things, and I turned and said, "Well, I just have to check with him. I need to see if he is willing to give up his first class seat." Now this young one was a smart one. She cocked her head to one side and let me know she would be perfectly willing to take his first class seat. I told her I wasn't sure the airline would allow this, but I would ask. In fact, I know they don't allow this, because the next person on the upgrade list should be tapped for first class, not some random young one in 12A.

I rushed up to first class, and yes, I got the stink eye, like, what was I doing in the wrong cabin, minutes before take off?? I ignored them, and relayed the story to Hubs, and he agreed without hesitation to move to Economy Plus, as long as it was OK with the gate agent, who was now on board the plane trying to put out other fires. I excitedly approached the irritated agent, and she questioned Hubs three times. Did he really want to give up his seat? Oh yes he did, he assured her. He is not the happiest passenger when he is not upgraded. I found it odd, but didn't question his choice. And then I jumped in and asked the gate agent if we could give the seat to the young one sitting in 12A. Her head was spinning. We were already 30 minutes late for take off and the passengers and crew were restless. She had the you-are-crazy look written all over her face, but agreed, just to be done with us. Hubs grabbed his laptop backpack, which is the equivalent of a small tortoise shell, larger than Son2. That thing carries Lots of Precious Stuff That Cannot Be Lost in Our Move. So he ambled down the aisle with Son2 across his front, and his backpack sticking out of his back. I ran back to the young one, and told her Hubs and the gate agent agreed she could have the seat. "Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!" Ohhh she was so grateful. She fell all over herself, telling me I didn't know what this meant. She had traveled for 48 hours already, and it was her birthday, and on, and on, and on. I sincerely told her to enjoy, and helped her clear the aisle quickly so Hubs could settle into our row with Son2.

Hubs stowed his backpack and plunked down in the seat next to me. Our boys squealed at the sight of one another, like they hadn't seen one another in years. And Hubby's rushed exit from first class? Oooh the passenger next to Hubs definitely gave him some serious stink eye when he took the seat next to her with Son2 who was quiet, by the way. She was in no mood to sit next to a little guy. Hubs said she was of the Hoity Toity variety.

My heart was full. Our whole family was together in the same row! I unzipped my backpack, and pulled out some "help" to make the kids groggy. It worked, but on the wrong child. The unphased child was awake and active. And I will leave it at that because anything more I would tell you is unnecessary.

Now, we are flying again in just over a week. There will be no attempts to upgrade, no attempts to tempt me with peacefulness and a movie, and fancy food. But phew! Since Hubby's work pays for the kids this time, we will at least have four seats rather than three. Now, the groggy help? I will attempt that again!