A hectic but punctual start to the first overseas adventure, as a complete family.
Some excitable moments in preparation to leaving but impressively the clan was packed, dressed, breakfast down and in the car before 7am.
We arrived in plenty of time to allow for the hour to check in, say goodbye to my parents, clear immigration and customs, exhaust a little energy in the cleverly designed children's distractions and walk to the gate.
The girls' excitement was contagious and my anxiety about flying with a restless 14 month old - while still actively present - began to ease. We boarded, settled in our seats and in no time I was nursing a sleeping infant, exhausted after holding out more than an hour for his morning nap. In hindsight I should have continued nursing but I was optimistic he would transfer to the crib and I'd have time to relax; this only unsettled him. A rocky three odd hours later I was forced to dose an over tired baby and finally managed to get him to sleep. I was fortunate he carried on in a settled and deep slumber allowing for an enjoyable journey.
Learning our lesson, we dosed Junior before boarding in LA; he slept from take off, until an hour before landing.