Month: November 2019

We planned our Thanksgiving trip very carefully so that we would have time to get a Christmas tree before the kids went back to school on Monday. Wade and I still miss cutting down our own tree but we have never been able to find a tree farm up here that is anything like the tree farms we are used to in our previous homes. In the end, we found ourselves back at The Farmer’s Daughter and found a tree that made us all happy. We also saw a sign for a type of tree we had never heard of before – Korean Fir. The only trees left were under 4 feet but we decided we would definitely get one next year!

We decided to try something new this year and fly home for Thanksgiving. (The flight was Boston to Nashville and then we will rent a car for the week.) We have always driven – even though it means a 17 hour drive and a 2 day trip. We have always favored driving due to several things – the cost, the chaos of having so many kids, luggage, layovers, etc. However, one of the biggest reasons is that I really don’t fly well. I used to, but about 7 or 8 years ago that changed drastically. Anyway, we decided to try it this year and then re-evaluate for next year.

The trip started off with a major hiccup. We had one of Wade’s friends drive us to the airport in our car so that we wouldn’t have to pay for parking all week. We got to the drop-off spot and Wade immediately realized he didn’t have his wallet -meaning no ID. We decided to go inside and see what our options are. (We live about 45-60 minutes from the airport.) My head is already spinning and calculating that it would make the most sense for me to go ahead and fly with the kids if Wade has to catch a later flight. However, the me that hates to fly is saying NO WAY.

Wade normally has Pre-Check (I don’t) but we would normally all get to go through the same line together. We get to the TSA guys and explain the situation. It turns out the kids and I still go through the Pre-Check and Wade now has to go through the regular line but there is hope. Low and behold – they search you like crazy but they will let you fly with some random things for identification. Wade used two prescription bottles as proof of identification.

For those of you wondering about his wallet. Our dear friend overnighted his wallet so that he would have it for our trip (and the return flight).

For those of you wondering how I flew – ehh. It was 50-50 and that was on medication.

For those of you wondering how Ben flew – ehh. He did great the first part of the flight and then grew bored of Thomas the Train. Nothing would entertain him the last part and he was ready to run.

Ben’s actual 2nd birthday isn’t for a few days, but we will be in Kentucky for his birthday so we wanted to celebrate with him here before we left. He was so excited by the decorations, presents, and general excitement all for him! Because he’s a little young to pick his birthday breakfast, he got our favorite cinnamon rolls and was quite enthralled with the candle. He also got a few morning presents to start the day.

When Dad was home from work and dinner was eaten, then we got to the cake! Ben loved the candles and couldn’t wait to get the diggers off the cake. He was equally interested in playing with the diggers and eating the cake – as it should be for a 2 year old. The big kids couldn’t wait to help Ben open his gifts and thankfully he’s a little too young to be bothered.