Flying High

So despite the odds (a broken foot, a kid with a plastered arm, a 23 hour journey), I would not cancel this trip. Kids are off school for two weeks - French system oblige - and what am I going to do with them during all that time, specially with the rainy season that is stretching itself well into April? So off we go!
Travel tips for parents of young kids: take all the screens you can - for us it was one portable DVD reader and its DVD selection, and fully charged with games, 2 ipods and one ipad (without counting my own computer). Bring unusual snacks (M&Ms, new types of cookies, raw veggies), some new workbooks, stickers, small cars (take a count before each landing). Take the usual suspects (doudous or blankies). Socks, light long sleeves. A book. And then, broken foot oblige, reserve a wheelchair service with the airline (luxury!). And some patience too. At take off, a glass of some alcoholic beverage if you can. 
We did get a little delay in Sao Paolo, waiting from midnight until 4 before flying out towards Rome yikes! I had initially booked my tickets for them to sleep on flight. They ended up being so lovely, coloring, watching DVDs or playing on the ithings - thank you airport power outlets. The good thing with this delay: my boys were fast asleep on the second leg, faster than the boarding. We later needed to wait one hour in Rome for a wheelchair (which delayed our flight), but the plane waited, and I could drink a real italian cappuccino (ooh! joy!)... We also were able to get various rides in the process: bus, train, small electric car, mommy's wheelchair - what fun! The grand finale: our welcome committee waiting for us in TLV airport - everyone was relieved, happy and excited to be together again.