I am writing this mini blog post as I sit at the airport, waiting on my flight to Colorado to see my precious new granddaughter for the first time. As a bonus, I get to see her mom, dad, and uncle. I was texting Whitney yesterday, and I told her I know I will cry when I see her and the baby together. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that my baby is now a mother. For now, I have to sit here and wait to board because, yes, I am one of those people who must arrive at the airport very early.

I feel like every trip to the airport is full of mini adventures, from parking the car, catching the shuttle to the terminal, checking in your luggage, clearing security, and finding your gate. The funny thing is, I have not traveled by myself since I was in high school and flying to Virginia to see my godparents. For those of you trying to calculate how long that has been, let’s say, more than forty years! The worst part of flying alone is not having someone to watch your bag when you must go to the restroom. On the other hand, the best part of flying alone is listening to your audiobook while people watching.

You see so many interesting people at the airport. Today, I have seen generations of families flying together, business people on trips, those heading to or from vacation destinations, etc. My heart always goes out to the families traveling with children, especially babies. Traveling can always be stressful with small children. I just realized the other day that I was spoiled because we flew in Dad’s Cessna when the kids were tiny, and it is much easier to adjust for the little ones in that situation. On the other hand, if you have never flown in a Cessna or any other small airplane in the summer, you cannot imagine how hot it is on landing and takeoff. Babies, toddlers, children, and adults are all cranky when facing the Texas heat in August. But the best part of traveling with your children, whether commercial or in a puddle jumper, is the memories you make on the trips.

Well, it is time for me to board my flight. I promise to post many pictures from my time in Colorado.