The Gazaleh Gazette

Well they’re off. Mostly excitement filled the air as we drove to the airport for the girl’s first flight. I think the turning point came when they learned there would be a bathroom on the plane. That brought “really?” from Katharine and “Naaaahhhh” from Mary (with a tilt of the head). As soon as we convinced them that we were telling the truth, Mary broke into a song about an old lady who flushed her kids down the toilet and then flushed herself afterwards. At that moment, we knew Mary would be fine. Katharine was excited too and we were hopeful that it would continue.

Then it happened. (Keep in mind that I am viewing this from 20 feet away because of FAA regulations) While weaving through the maze to get through security, Mary “accidentally” tripped Katharine. I do think it was accidental but I am also putting quotes because with Mary, anything is possible. Katharine got up with an angry/sulk, as only she can do, and crossed her arms in frustration. I also figured the stomping that followed only meant bad news for Amy. Thank goodness for that crazy terrorist who tried to blow up a plane with a shoe bomb a few years ago. Having to take off her shoes and walk through a metal detector really seemed to unbunch her britches.

I will say that I saw the panic in Amy’s eyes once she realized she would have to get her shoes on, the girls shoes on, distribute the carry on bags, make sure she had the tickets and grab the hands of those two precious little girls all while looking at the long line of anxious and not very patient travellers behind her. Once that was resolved, I figured it would be smooth sailing.

And it was. Here is a picture of the girls right before they left.