What we do for our kids! (and the payoffs) *smile

[adoptioncoach]

This weekend it was just the two of us, my DP (dear partner, right? or shall I say S.O. for significant other? Not up on all the terms LOL) Anyway, he is in Japan on a business trip so all attention was on/is on Hayden fully and completely (which I love).

As I have written before, my son has a complete and TOTAL obsession with airplanes and anything that flies, so his idea of a great day is to go to an airport and watch the planes land and take off. His favorite is "Airbank", officially known as Burbank/Bob Hope Airport. He renamed it to suit himself.
(this kid has a major independence streak)

On our many trips to Burbank Airport I have tried to find the best spot for viewing all the activity in and around the airport, however after getting "relocated" by the airport police for being too close to the runway early one Saturday morning I found the perfect spot for us at MillionAir. MillionAir is the private jet terminal on the opposite side of the airport that not only has an awesome view of the major runway where the commercial planes take off it has all the cool private and corporate jets.

Because we spend so much time there, (HA!) we were invited by the Operations Manager to come in and view from their lobby. He told us, "it is cooler inside, (air conditioned) we have snacks and restrooms and I think you'll be much more comfortable". Who could refuse an invitation like that???
So now we just park and head for the lobby like we own the joint.

Yesterday, as we were sitting comfortably in the MillionAir terminal and I was reading WORTH magazine and Hayden was playing on the floor near the ceiling to floor windows with his airplanes there were several people in the lobby (pilots and owners/travelers) waiting to get in their planes and take off. Two men sitting near me were charmed by Hayden and his airplanes and I heard them both talking that they had young sons as well. The next thing I know one of the gentlemen is inviting us to go out on the tarmack and see his plane!!!?? Hayden's eyes nearly popped out of his head. So off we went.

We walk out to his Citation CJ2, he opens the door and says to Hayden "climb on in". This was a dream come true for my little boy and it was such a treat to watch his excitement. He was skipping down the aisle saying "WoooHoooo" opening all the window shades, looking out each window with amazement. The owner, Louis, offered Hayden the co-pilot's seat and started turning on the plane and showing him how things worked. OK, THAT part scared him and Hayden told Louis not to do that anymore. (he was frightened by all the computers talking, etc) Louis then offered Hayden snacks and told him to make himself comfortable. Hayden had to try out each of the six passenger seats, look out every window and then get out and walk around the plane checking every aspect of this awesome machine.

I asked Louis where he was flying to today and he said Colorado. Hayden pipes up, "Mom, can you get my suitcase?" I said, "Buddy, WE are NOT going to CO, Mr. Louis is going to CO." He replied "Mom, I go to Colorado and you stay home!" NICE!! He is willing to ditch me for a total stranger with a private plane. I think NOT!

I was stunned by how generous this complete stranger was to us, especially Hayden, letting him take as much time as he wanted to explore the plane, enjoy his snacks on the plane, etc. It was truly overwhelming. Of course, when I told Hayden we had to go back inside the terminal now, he started to cry. He was having too much fun. Thankfully he pulled himself together quickly without too much of a scene. Otherwise I would have had to drag him to the car and take him home. I wouldn't want to risk being kicked out of MillionAir when truly we have no business being there in the first place! *smile

This was a dream come true for my little guy, and he hasn't stopped talking about it yet! I only regret that my camera was in the car and I didn't get any pictures. But as the Operations Manager had explained to me on a previous visit - cameras and video equipment would get us chased off the property since Papparazzi tend to hang out near/around that terminal and they are NOT welcomed.

Hayden is convinced that next time we go someone is going to give us a ride on their plane. Hey, from his lips to God's ears. That would be a blast!

[adoptioncoach]

Yes, always with Hayden! He is too funny. One of those personalities that always seems to step in GOLD! Not bad for 3 years old. HA HA HA

[Trish (wheresthebox)]

What an awesome adventure! Sounds like a lot of fun. :)

[adoptioncoach]

Lis,
well actually, I have been flying with Hayden since he was 2 months old and his first real word was AIRPLANE. LOL The kid has had his own Passport since before he was 1. He finds a way to get himself invited into the cockpit before and after the flights...I have some awesome photos of him in the Pilots seat of Virgin America when we did our last New York trip. He is a CHARMER that kid. I will have to post those photos cuz they are awesome. They still give "wings" too but they are plastic and they stick on your clothes. (Not like what we used to get)
He was not impressed with those--- (ha ha, me either)
Best,
Meg

[Lis Garrett]

That is really exciting!!

My older sister and I would fly every summer by ourselves from Atlanta to Wichita to visit our dad and grandparents. That was back in the day when children were given "wings" and got to visit the captain in the cockpit. Not anymore, eh?! So definitely, that was a treat for Hayden!

Thanks for sharing!