West Coast Eekhoffs: Airplane Adventures

Well, flying with four kids is an adventure in itself. But really, our recent trip to Iowa was (thankfully) not that adventurous. Being the frugal parents we are, we decided to check only one bag and take four carry-ons. This was smart financially but a pain in the rear logistically. When you are trying to get four kids across the airport to your next gate and you also have to haul everyone's personal items (3 back packs, a diaper bag and a large camera bag) AND 2 wheeled suitcases, a duffle bag and a garment bag, it's a bit much! Our little man stepped it up though and happily helped us anyway he could. He took his own backpack, one wheeled suitcase and sometimes had the garment bag and sister's backpack as well.

The kids did great on the plane! Ellison cried a bit during landings or when she got tired (babies will do that :) ) and Harper was "busy" (toddlers will be that way) and there were some sibling squables (surprise, surprise!) but we really couldn't have asked for better flights. We had great flight attendants and the coolest of all was when one of our captains let Aidan and Lauren sit in the cockpit in the pilot and co-pilot seats!

One piece of advice we got from several people about flying with young children was "Benadryl". Although we appreciate advice, we knew we were going to ignore this one. If you know us or much about us, you probably know that we treat drugs very seriously and try to avoid them whenever possible. I think America as a whole doesn't take drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) seriously enough. It has become a quick fix in our society and if something is available to take, we take it without much concern of the side effects, without searching for alternatives, or even with disregard for its intended purpose. Ok, enough with that side note, I just wanted to address it since I am sure many parents who fly with children are also given this advice. I, on the other hand, did take Drammamine. Let's face it, flying with an infant on your lap while throwing up into your airsick bag (been there, done that) isn't any fun. I've tried sea bands and ginger with no luck either. In this instance, I felt the medication was warranted ;)

So, other than nearly losing a child (oh, did I forget to mention that part?) and a slightly annoying but extremely detailed pat-down security search, we made it to Iowa and back with our sanity.........and the kids loved flying!