Flying to Florida

Marshall and I joke that last year was his year with going to Japan. So naturally this year would be my year. Taking my family to Florida has been something I've wanted to do but I didn't think it was possible. After talking to a friend one day I realized it was possible with a few money saving tips. My uncle said we could stay in his condo so that was the first part that made it possible. The second part was doing the Southwest deal and getting points from their credit card. We booked our flights in February and started getting excited. My kids were all anticipating their first flight, that they can remember. We rounded up small luggage from friends, family, and DI so each kid could wheel their own suitcase. Then each kid had a carry on back pack with things to entertain them on the plane. We got lots of looks everywhere we went.

We weren't sure how long each step would take so we got to the airport extra early. Then our airplane was delayed so we had even more extra time.

Everyone spent a lot of time looking out the window and watching other planes come and go. It was so fun to see how excited me kids were about each little part of the process.

Seven is a tricky number for flying. Not every one of the kids could have a parent so we always had James and Lynnlee together and then Marshall and I divided up Kaden and the minis. It usually was up to them who they sat by. Taggart hung on really tight during the first flight taking off. Then on the other flights he said he didn't need to hold our hands. They all giggled when the first flight took off like you would on a fun amusement park ride.

We had a long layover in Denver. We spent most of the time riding the moving walkways and escalators. When we weren't doing that the kids watched show on the iPad. Thank goodness for electronics!

James and Lynnlee really stepped it up and helped the minis when they were too tired to carry their backpacks.

It was a long day but everyone did great on the flights. We got to Tampa really late and the three youngest had fallen asleep on the flight. I thought Kaden would wake up and he did but fell right back to sleep at baggage claim.