Some people think it’s stressful to travel around the holidays. We aren’t those people. In fact, we think it’s fun.
Today was the day before Thanksgiving— and the day we headed back to PA for the holiday weekend. Jarmon worked a full day at the office— I worked at home on packing and getting our rambunctious baby and puppy tired for the trip.
We got out the door in plenty of time. Traffic was heavy, but avoiding the expressway got our Uber to the airport with plenty of time to spare. We generally arrive at the airport much later than is recommended, but strive to be closer to the two hour window around the holidays. Today, we had the full two. We did curbside check-in, walked straight up to the TSA agent in the pre-check line and were at our gate in no time.
On the walk to the gate, we stopped to talk a photo with the holiday decorations (per usual). Arabella was mesmerized by the lights. So much so that we couldn’t get her to look away from them for a photo.
Given that we were traveling with a baby AND a dog, we decided to find a place to park. We decided that I’d hang with Arabella and Baxter while Jarmon went to find provisions. By provisions I mean food for us, water for Baxter and most importantly— BEER.
As Arabella, Baxter and I watched holiday travelers steam past, several commented that I had my hands full. I, of course, took that as a challenge to enjoy a pre flight beverage and prove to the onlookers that I had the situation very much under control.
In retrospect, we arrived at the airport way too early. But it was better than the alternative. The flight was uneventful. Baxter slept. Arabella drank her bottle and snacked on some teething biscuits. Jarmon watched his iPad and I read a book.
By the time we got to Pittsburgh, Arabella was down for the count. I got off the plane before Jarmon and staged a quick diaper change.
Arabella was CRANKY when we tried to take a photo with the Pittsburgh airport tree— but she was all smiles when she saw DD and MJ. Baxter was delighted as well.
They both slept on the way home. When we got to Mount Pleasant, Jarmon dug into all of MJ’s homemade baked goods while DD prepared the usual late night Delallo’s feast.
DD and MJ also had all of my childhood toys waiting for Arabella— and Arabella (now very much under the influence of her second wind) played with MJ until about 3am. We’ll just chalk this one up to #holidaysonthehomefront OR #parentsoftheyear
Sent from my iPhone
Trina Orlando 