The kids enjoyed time with cousins!
Off, off & away - leaving Honey & Grandad Bo's house for DFW.
We had read over and over again that, if possible, carry on your luggage to minimize waiting at baggage claim & things getting lost. So, we packed our family into 6 carry on bags & 6 backpacks. We made use of the space saver bags (highly recommend) & with the help of sitting on a few of the bags - we were set to go. Honey, Mimi & Grandad Bo were there at the airport to help send us off. We made it through security and thankfully found our gate right there. We set the kids up with the movie UP & waited for our first flight to Atlanta.
We made it to Atlanta & made our way to the international terminal. Now, I have to stop for a moment and update you on our take on the whole "pack in a carry on" for your European travel. I would highly recommend this if you are a family with teenagers or traveling with just adults. However, if you have any children under the age of 10 - do not, I repeat, do not, follow the carry on advice. I wish so much that we had video or even a picture of Chris & I attempting the airport with 6 carry-on bags, 6 backpacks, & 4 kids. If I could count how many times a bag flipped over, a child stumbled, or the inevitable whining of "this bag is too heavy" it would have paid for our trip to France. ;) We will be checking our luggage for the trip back home.
We made it to the gate in plenty of time, all anticipating the large jet we would ride on to France. We had checked & doubled checked so many of our reservations - even spent time on the phone with a Delta agent to confirm our seats together. When it was time to pre-board, we got to the front and realized they did not have us sitting together. We had to get out of line and see if they could fix our seats. Meanwhile, boarding had begun & we would have to make our way through the plane with all the luggage and a full plane. I'll spare you the details - but will say this - we were so thankful to be seated and all luggage stowed & ready to go. ;)
We made it to the gate in plenty of time, all anticipating the large jet we would ride on to France. We had checked & doubled checked so many of our reservations - even spent time on the phone with a Delta agent to confirm our seats together. When it was time to pre-board, we got to the front and realized they did not have us sitting together. We had to get out of line and see if they could fix our seats. Meanwhile, boarding had begun & we would have to make our way through the plane with all the luggage and a full plane. I'll spare you the details - but will say this - we were so thankful to be seated and all luggage stowed & ready to go. ;)
The kids did well on the flight & we made our 8 hour trek to France, arriving into Paris at 11am. One final note about the flight. It was a Delta flight operated by Air France. I had heard some unfriendly reviews about parents traveling on Air France and was concerned as to what the flight would look like. It couldn't have gone better - thanking the Lord for His travel mercies.
Totally taking notes on baggage and packing! Did you do the space saver bags instead of rolling the clothes, or a combo? So glad the flight went well. Did the kids sleep at all? Did you get to sleep? That's what I think will be hard for me -- the mama is supposed to be alert and ready to tend to the kiddos....how am I supposed to relax & sleep!!! lol! =)
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