And they're off!

Last Thursday, the kids hopped on a plane bound for Kansas and never looked back. They've been too busy. So far, I've seen photos of Connor catching an 18 inch catfish, heard about guns, arrows, canoes, smoothies, dog walking, and more. They've been to camp, an amusement park, LegoLand, and more. It's been a great vacation for Connor and Helen, and I'm excited to hear more about it.

Ed and I have been mixing up going out without thinking about the time, home projects, working a little extra at the office, and this weekend we'll go on a brief getaway. I miss Connor and Helen, but I'm so confident they're in a great place, that I'm able to just enjoy time without them, as well.

Connor and Helen were absolute troopers at the airport.

While we waited in the "special services" line, we were goofing around a bit. If we had known what was coming, we would've spent our time worrying, instead.

When it was our turn, something in the system went awry. Despite having about an hour to get these two unaccompanied minors checked in, when it was all said and done, the ticket agent literally led us on a run through the airport, through security, and right onto the plane. I have to hand it to him - the problem was entirely of his making, but damn if he didn't sky up and solve it. I imagined that we were famous people being escorted through lines, stepping in front of everyone with all of the agents just nodding and saying "absolutely, go right on through" while the regular public stood in line waiting.

My only instruction to the children was to "tail that guy and DO NOT let him out of your sight no matter what". This almost resulted in a collision with an innocent person casually walking through the airport, but we all survived.

And there was no time to get nervous at the gate - because they walked right on the plane!

Connor reported that he played iPad the whole time, Helen cut up the time by knitting a bit on this summer's scarf. They were both proud of their solo travel.

As soon as they walked onto the plane, I snapped this photo:

PAR-TAY!

Elaine

Week Away

On Friday, my dad flew from Kansas to DC. On Sunday, he left - accompanied by Helen and Connor. Knowing that my parents have raised two children to adulthood, I knew I didn't need to give them a lot of instructions. My mom would ask occasional questions about what foods they liked - and mentioned the 699 fun things they have planned.

I was willing to send the kids unaccompanied, but when I mentioned this to Helen she firmly stated "I need someone to ride with me on the plane. And it needs to be an ADULT - not just Connor." Clearly, she could see the future and knew we were going to tell her Connor would take care of everything for her. Connor was totally game. My parents thought I was as crazy as Helen did, which is why my dad insisted on coming out and back with the kids.

On Saturday, I sent my mom the following email. I figured Connor and Helen might enjoy seeing it when they're older and read through these pages.

.....

Helen still has not lost her teeth [my parents were here a few weeks ago and Helen was discussing her loose teeth then]. I'm sending Dad back with an envelope that contains a poem that our tooth fairy brings, along with the stones the tooth fairy leaves. She also leaves $1.

Helen and Connor are excited about staying - but who knows if Helen will have a meltdown at some point. If she does, she can call any time. It really does not bother me. [Note: Helen remarked on Sunday morning that she was really going to miss me because she wasn't used to having fun without me around.]

If Helen seems unreasonable and grumpy, give her some food. I wouldn't say "do you want a strawberry" I would say "we should eat some strawberries". She's not particularly good with choices when she's hungry.

Connor ate so much the other night he puked. Hopefully he won't do this again - but if he does, don't worry about it.

Helen hasn't done it in a while, but occasionally she vomits from overeating or eating too much of a particular kind of food. Again, it's nothing to worry about, she'll feel better after she gets it all out.

Make sure Connor stays hydrated. He sometimes forgets to drink, and then he doesn't poop. He hasn't done this in a while, but I do try and get him to drink. Related - if he drinks a bunch and you notice him dancing - tell him "go to the bathroom". Strange, I know, but he sometimes doesn't seem to realize he has to go.

Helen is allergic to mussels and shrimp. Connor is just picky.

If you have any questions - feel free to call or drop me a note. I can't think of any other things that are too weird about the little people but then again, I've probably just gotten used to all their weirdness so fail to recognize it as weird any more.

Connor has been enjoying watching soccer on TV, so he'd probably be interested in seeing some of that.

Have fun