I've got a pair-a-troopers, no, make that three

Well we survived the trip. Although at one point we had a ginky (pacifier) two rows back on the air plane. Not sure how that happened. I had much pity from my fellow travels, but everything went quite smoothly. I want to share some tips, in case you are every tempted to do do the unthinkable, and fly alone with multiple children.

Look pitiful People were so nice to us, they offered spots in line and wanted to carry bags or kids or whatever. It was much easier than I thought, but I also know that I was living many people's personal nightmares. It has been a long road, but I have discovered come to the conclusion that when people say "Boy, you must have your hands full" what they really mean is "I personally could never do that." I used to think they meant, "she looks like she is going to lose it."

Accept Help This is a pride area here. I usually want people to actually think that I have it all together, but sometimes I let people help me, just so that they feel better. Besides, it is good practice for me to accept help. It reminds me that I really can't do it all on my own, and that's okay.

Have a Routine Which sounds funny, if you don't travel much, but if you practice before hand, and have the kids know what to expect things go smoothly. So taking shoes off at security seems normal to them, and they know that they don't get a seat belt snack, until their seat belt is actually on.

Have Treats This can be really simple stuff, too. Like for my kids, getting french fries from the airport McDonalds was a big treat, because we rarely do it. And being able to pull out some novel when the kids get restless is much easier than constantly saying "stop kicking that seat."

Have a walk You don't have to stay in your seat the whole time you are in the airplane. Get up, go to the bathroom, have a parade down the aisle. Other passengers would rather see a smiling kid wandering around than hearing a bored kid that is crying or complaining.

Have Waiting Games This can be something simple like I spy, or Simon says, but there is always a possibility that you may be waiting in a long long, for a long time. This is an area that I am always amazed at how good of a witness it can be to people waiting around us. often adults can get cranky and impatient, and it really helps them keep their perspective when a two year old can wait more patiently that they can.

Have a Prayer I know that I could not have done this alone. I am so thankful that I had peace and protection while we were traveling.

Do you have any traveling tricks that you use with kids?