My Weak Muscles

What a week!

Christmas officially hit the Moncrieff household and it was such a magical experience decorating the Christmas tree with Rosie.

We put Rosie in her stander so we could wheel her as close to the tree as possible to hang the decorations by herself. She loved it (the carpet, not so much!).

All week we’ve been looking forward to a very special Santa flight that took place today, provided by Thomas Cook Airlines.

Check in was from 10am and Iain, Rosie and I arrived to a very warm welcome, a brass band, drinks and cakes, incredibly helpful staff and a room full of lovely people.

After all of the usual security checks, Rosie and I boarded the plane. She was so excited and managed really well considering we were pretty much first on and had to wait for 40 minutes until all other 208 passengers boarded!

Rosie entertained herself making sure Elsa and Anna were ready for the flight and singing Jingle Bells!

The flight was so busy and a little crazy with over-excited kids, but it was really enjoyable. Rosie had been offered a place, but only one parent was able to join her. For fairness Iain and I wrote our names on a piece of paper, folded it up and placed it in a jar for Rosie to pick. I had been the chosen one!

Iain watched from the airport with all of the other remaining relatives who had come to give moral support and enjoy the party before the flight.

On board it was awesome! It was a beautifully clear and sunny day and we sang Christmas songs all through the flight and played games. Santa joined us too along with local press and the Made in Bristol TV crew…

We enjoyed a few selfies…

Looked out of the window… (I love the South West!)

Tried to look out of the window when the seat belt sign was on…

And we had the privilege of meeting the European, World and Paraylmpic triathlon champion Andy Lewis who’d also joined us on the flight. He offered a few words over the PA before coming through the cabin to chat, let us see and touch his gold medal and hand out signed postcards.

The flight was about an hour long, we flew from Bristol to Gloucester and Rosie absolutely loved it!

We came off the flight, met with Santa once again where he gave Rosie a lovely present and we had a group photo with some of the other children who attend Springboard, the nursery for children with additional needs where Rosie goes.

The team at Thomas Cook were amazing, all of the staff went above and beyond to help me with Rosie to board, get off the flight, get up curbs and onto the shuttle bus – I couldn’t fault the care and attention.

We left around 2pm and as soon as we got in the car Rosie fell straight to sleep. Big day and not one we’ll forget in a hurry!