We weren't sure what to expect, but Ivan did GREAT on the fights to and from Minneapolis for Anne and Ivan's two-week trip to visit her family in Minnesota and South Dakota.
The trip was not without a bit of adventure though! We left on May 31st, from Cincinnati at 7am to drive to Columbus airport for an 11am flight that connected through Chicago. Check-in and security went smoothly, and we found the gate with plenty of time to feed Ivan and play for a while. As we were returning from our first visit to the family bathroom, I see about 30 people rushing to stand in front of the desk at the gate, and I catch the woman behind the desk say "if you have a cell phone, you might want to call because it will be a lot quicker". I don't even know what the status of the flight was, I just immediately called and got our flights switched to route through St. Louis on a flight that was the next gate over and leaving in 45 minutes. It's amazing what kind of service you get with a fussy baby in the background!
Here is Ivan on the first plane. As you can see, I was ready with all his 'favorites', including two of his blankets! I was definitely over-prepared because as soon as I got him all settled in, before the plane even started moving, Ivan was asleep. It might have something to do with the fact that he had been awake since 6:30am ~ 6 hours!
Below are pictures from Ivan's second flight. Straps fascinate him right now, and the airplane seatbelt was no exception. Fortunately, he did not figure out how to unhook it! He slept on this flight also. Yes, I know how incredibly lucky I am.
We left Minneapolis on June 14th at 6am. Here is a picture with Grandma and Grandpa Eggers, as we get ready to say goodbye at the airport at 4:30am. Yes, this is how awake and happy Ivan can be very EARLY in the morning.
Ivan slept again on the first leg home, which is more than I can say for the 20 other kids and babies that were on our flight. :) We connected through Chicago this time without any issues, and we arrive into Columbus on time.
Ivan didn't sleep on the last flight, as much as he wanted to, mostly because of a very dirty diaper on a very short flight. I had to call the flight attendant over to ask what you do when you have to change a diaper on a flight. Ha, ha ~ use the bathroom! Duh! Did you ever notice that there is a baby changing table crammed into that little space? Me neither, but there is. Look next time. :)
We also got a chance to hang out with my Aunt Kat's family. I don't know how she does it, but my Aunt Kat always manages to avoid being in the pictures, so you won't see any of her here ~ again! Above is her sister, Karen, and below is also a picture with their mom, Betty. We really enjoyed church with Aunt Karen. Thanks for going with us!!
This is Ivan with my dear college friend, John Kuhl. We also got to see his wife, Michelle, but I guess I didn't have my camera out that day. :(
Ivan also got to meet "the uncles", my Uncle Mark and Uncle Ken. They are quite a pair, and Ivan was very entertained. Almost as entertained as the uncles were, I think.
