So I offered Eloise $20 to sit with Astrid on the plane so I could just sit with Esther which would have meant I could just read my book while Eloise took orders from a 2 year old the whole flight “SNACK BOOKS COLOR POTTY MARKERS SNACK MOVIE GIVE ME YOUR PHONE BOOKS COLOR!!”
But my 9 year old is too smart to fall for that and responded “Mom $20 for non-stop interruptions isn’t nearly enough when I know I can sit on the other side of the plane with my 7 year old sister and the two of us can just read quietly for 3.5 hours and laugh about the fact that you don’t get to read your book. Good luck with that.”
I will never raise smart children again.
So Eloise and Esther had an AWESOME flight by themselves somewhere on the flight – reading, drinking ginger ale, eating peanuts and being civilized while I entertained Astrid for free and everything.
Because I’ve been told she is mine.
********
But this post isn’t about that. I am just writing this post to document this conversation I had with Eloise when we were boarding the flight…
Eloise “Mom what’s the weather suppose to be like after we land in Florida?”
Me “Well tomorrow will be cool but the rest of the week looks like it will be super nice!”
Eloise “Well that is good that tomorrow will be cool since we will be landing late tonight. It will give us a day to unpack and get settled. It’s so nice to have that kind of day after traveling.”
Me “ACT 9 YEARS OLD SOMETIMES, OKAY!!!”
They really aren’t supposed to act so biggey. But man, she is totally smart.
On Sunday, I’m flying alone with my four-year-old and two-year-old who have never flown before. Our flight will be 2.5 hours. I’ve packed coloring books, iPads loaded with games and hopefully movies (if I figure that out), books, envelopes (my children love them), their favorite stuffed animal and extra underpants. What am I missing and what are your tips!?
Oh good luck! Movies and stickers and lots of snacks are your best bet. You’ll be surprised really by how quickly 2.5 hours goes.
I cannot stop laughing. this is so my life. but with a dirty noisy little boy in our caboose.
also? smart children are really hard to be in charge of … because it often feels like they are just humoring you by letting you be the parent.
I know – right. I know they mock me when I’m out of earshot. Think of how awesome parents they will be someday..and I cannot wait to quietly read my book and sip my martini while they chase after their two year olds.
rebecca! my husband is a pilot … here are a few suggestions … a box of bandaids (kids can spend hours sticking them on themselves & you.) stickers & paper. I have a little bag I sewed up for each of them. when I only had one child & we flew to hawaii (long flights!) I wrapped everything & had plans to open something! new! each! hour! … and then she slept the entire time. but favorites were bandaids, tape, stickers & stamp.
She’s totally too smart for a 9 year old.
Good luck with that. To quote a really smart 9 year old.
(are you having fun in Florida?)
Yes, super amazing weather. We may never leave. Except everyone is over 65 which I guess actually makes me look better in a swimsuit.
hilarious. all of it.
Okay, now I cannot stop laughing.
Oh boy, are you in t.r.o.u.b.l.e….
Dana
the conversations you have with your kids are so much nicer than the ones I have with mine…sigh…
and have fun down here!
Sure wish you were not on the good side of Florida right now.
Sophia totally would have taken the 20 and man, with this economy I might be right there with her. Your girls are just too smart!
Have a totally fantastic & relaxing (maybe a bit?) trip!! Half of my kids are on SB this week, too & we are content to stay home & just hang out!
I love that you document these wonderful conversations with your kids, they are true treasures! And I can just picture the flight with E & E enjoying a peaceful flight in one part of the plane…good try though on the $20…it was worth a shot!
PS: I love that Astrid is wearing the Sunshine cardigan…it is still a fave in our household & all my girls love it’s snuggly comfort!
I still have The Sunshine in a 2, 4 and 6 also for the future. One of the few pieces of MJ I’ve kept to pass-done. LOVE IT!
Can I pay Eloise $20.00 to babysit my 12 and 14-year-old?
Oh right.
She’s too smart to fall for that.
Eloise may charge you $40 for kids that old.
She is too smart.
Aside from not getting to read your book, how did the flight go? Really. I need to know. I am terrified to take my 2yo and 4yo to NYC this summer.
My kids have always been great on flights. I have a very strict “your butt doesn’t leave your seat” rule and they’ve never broken it. lol. Just bring stickers, movies, snacks, books and alcohol(for you of course.;). xo
They act way too grown up sometimes, don’t they? I haven’t taken all three of my little ones on a plane yet. I wonder how that might work? I shudder!
Your Utah Friend,
Tina
That’s my kind of girl!
I burst out laughing. What a delight your 9-going-on-100 year old is.
That is HILARIOUS.
She will be able to hire herself out for babysitting by the time she is ten…but knowing her, she will figure out an easier way to earn money.
Can’t wait for more vacation conversations!
I woulda upped the ante… ;-P Have a FABULOUS trip with those beauties!! xoxo
I know – but she wouldn’t accept a credit card and I only had a 20 spot on me.
Such a smart girl! Now she can unpack all those clothes she won’t wear because she’ll be at the beach all day.
That is hilarious and I think that was sort of me growing up. I was always way older than I should be. Hope you are having a great time!
Now I feel like I should reprogram her to be selfish, carefree and irresponsible. I think I’m doing this all wrong.
Enjoy your trip. I love what Eloise says.
Lol. You have quite the smart one there
Your girls sounds adorable, sensible and very very smart. I look at my 5 year old and wonder sometimes, “when did you become smarter than me?” He’s constantly humoring me. Hope that you are having a lovely visit in FL.
Hee! She’s pure fabulous!