Flying Day

Even though I've travelled on aeroplanes a few times, I am still not used to it. Especially international travel. We've been in Japan since 2000 and have only travelled to Australia twice before. "Travel Day" has its own special stresses, especially with children. As a parent you are trying to meet your own and everyone else's needs and keep your mind around where everything and everyone is, as well as be aware of the timetable. Especially trying is the varying emotions flying around, not just my own, but the children being even more volatile than usual. From euphoria to quiet concentration to despair, the whole spectrum of emotions flying around are stressful for all. Thankfully today we are not straining to get to the airport on a tight schedule as well, but the boys did wake up before 5.30am. Our flight leaves at 8.55pm - that is a LONG time to wait. And my children are not especially good at waiting with grace! My backpack is almost packed, except for this computer. Trying to be Mrs Mum-Scout is a little trying, especially not just being prepared for anything, but remembering where I put everything! Which reminds me, I'd better go and put some more bandaids in - our youngest is crying for a bandaid at the slightest injury today. I also want to have a shower now before we leave, that'll help me feel just a little less grotty tomorrow morning when we have to struggle through Australian customs at a bit before 6am! Pity the folk who've driven all the way from Brisbane to meet us with the van. We'll be a sorry looking lot tomorrow morning!