How many Flynn's does it take.....

....to get an eight month old through his first flight?  In our case, seven adults and a two year old.  This pass weekend marked a lot of first for us as parents and for our little one.  Airplanes, swimming, baseball.  We did it all.  The ENTIRE Flynn family made a five day trip out to Surprise, Arizona to celebrate Grandma Flynn's 90th birthday!!  All nine of us were booked on the 6:55am flight from DFW to PHX.  We were quite the herd moving through DFW.  Of course we got stopped at security for all of the baby food.  We had others rolling their eyes and others dreading sitting next to the baby on the plane.  I don't complain too much.  It wasn't so long ago that was us.  In fact, I think our business travlers (you know who you are) still dread it sometimes, just with more compassion.  Ethan did great!  He played with cousin Emma for awhile, took a little nap, and did a little reading.  His favorite part had to be the window. 

7 am flight, still dark out

Cousin Emma, what's going on?!

                                        
On Friday we all went out to a spring training game to support our Rangers.  While the Rangers didn't have a steller game, we had a great time.  We had the pleasure of sitting directly behind the Rangers' dugout.  We got to see most of the players up close and personal.  Olt even gave a nice smile to the cute baby sitting in my lap.  It must be all of the support he was giving.  The best part of the game?  Well, it wasn't being peed on by Ethan (hybrid diapers take practice, we got down by the end of the trip).  I would have to say it was stealing from Robert catching a game ball that the ball boys were tossing.  Don't worry, he got one too.  Then he sweetly gave it to a little boy.  We then proceeded to get the ball signed by HOF, Fergie Jenkins, since Nolan was too depressed from our loss to talk to me. 

Yes Mom, I think I will have a nacho

Michael Young kept getting in my way when I was trying to take Hamilton's picture...the nerve

All 15 of us at the game

Just a little seventh inning snooze

Friday night we had a small pizza party for a pre-birthday celebration.  Grandma was very surprised to see her face through the years on our shirts, banners, and fans.  Aunt Shelly even talked all of the grand kids into doing a skit showcasing Grandma's finest attributes and successes throughout her life.  And I am here to tell you, she has been a very successful woman at home and in her career.  I found the stories about her fascinating.  Not only has she raised three great kids that are now amazing people, she hosted a radio show in Iowa and taught kids on the Quiz Kids Radio Show back in the day.

The whole group

Ethan's first time meeting Great Grandma Flynn.  He warmed up soon after

All of the grand kids performing their skit

Saturday we enjoyed some time at the swimming pool.  This was Ethan's first time swimming.  The pool water was actually a little too cool, but the hot tub was too, so it was the perfect temperature for little babes.  Swim lesson are definitely to start soon.  He loved the water.  No surprise there. 

Saturday night was the big event.  Thirty-five of Grandma's closest friends and family came to join in the festivities.  Ethan got to enjoy some ice cream and cake icing, compliments of our table mates, Joyce and Ed.  He was up pretty late that night.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and were honored to come celebrate the joyous occasion.

The lobby had a beautiful piano that both of the kiddos found very entertaining.  They put on quit a show for Grandpa.  And how cute is this little guy in his suit? 

The rest of the weekend we just took it easy and spent some quality time with the family.  There wasn't much crawling space in the hotel room, but the mirror proved to be a great source of entertainment.  By Monday we were definitely ready to be back at home.  All in all I would say that it was a successful first trip with Ethan.  Odds are that he has the travel gene that all of the Flynn men have.  This was great practice for our next trip later this summer.  It was great to spend some time with all of the Minnesota family that we never get to see.  I hope everyone had a safe trip home.

Happy birthday Grandma Flynn.  As you sit reading this on your notebook in front of your window, know that everyone was thrilled to come out to see you and had a fabulous time!  We hope to see you again soon!

P.S.  These are just a few of the pictures.  I have all of them on my Picasa account.  Click here to see.  I have already added some.  More will be added as I edit them.  I hope to get that done tonight.

Up next week:  Ethan will be nine months old...Eeeeek!