Santa Express Flight

Travis, Barrett, and I participated in the Salt Lake City Santa Express "flight" to the North Pole. Many thanks to Delta Airlines and Shriners Hospital for Children - Salt Lake City for this amazing opportunity. This event included 25 patients from Shriners and 25 from Primary Children's. Scott took Nolan to N's hockey tournament this weekend. We enjoyed the break from all the medical stuff and upcoming medical during this wonderful event.

We boarded a bus at Shriners this morning that took us to the International Terminal at Salt Lake City Airport for our special event. We had 2 Delta elves (picture near the end) greet us at Shriners and lead the singing on the bus as we made our way to the airport. 

Waiting to board the bus at Shriners

Many Delta employees and their families greeted us with cheers as we arrived at the International Terminal at the airport. We truly felt special and the magic of the day. We quickly checked in and received our "tickets". As with any airport, we made our way through security (some things were submitted a few weeks prior to help make this process as smooth as possible). Other Delta employee volunteers guided us to our gate and there one could feel the excitement building. :)

Our plane to the "North Pole"

T and B having fun while waiting to board

T and one of the Delta Elves, Esther

Bryan Fletcher with Travis

While waiting to board, we met Bryan Fletcher from the US Ski Team (Nordic combined) and talked some more with Esther from Delta. Esther was one of our guides to our gate and we later found out was Travis' elf for his presents. Soon enough it was time to board and T knew exactly what that meant. Our plane was decorated wonderfully, the pictures didn't really capture the fun atmosphere.

Excited to head to see Santa

All smiles

We watched the traditional safety video once the plane departed from the gate. Then it was time for the fun to begin. All passengers were treated with frosted cookies and chocolate milk, best food I've had on a plane in a long time. :) Christmas music played and all passengers received a treat bag with Delta snacks, wings, and water. The captain move through the cabin taking pictures with the passengers and the honored guests received more treats and goodies.

Frosted cookie yummy-ness

We arrived at our gate and several special passengers boarded the aircraft: the Salt Lake Bee, therapy dogs, and the BYU cougar. The Santa Express flight had the passengers deplane in groups of 10 by number for next activity. Travis had the number 7 next to his name, so we were in the first group of 10. On the way out we saw the BYU cougar and he came over to say hi to Travis. Little did the cougar know that Travis wanted to show him the Utes sticker on his lift. Once the cougar saw the "U"s, he put his head in hands and shook his head. Too funny. Way to go T! He even got a cheer from friends of ours through Miracle League baseball that were seated by where we were standing when this occurred.

T excited to see Santa

Fun on Santa's sleigh

T enjoyed sitting in Santa's sleigh while waiting to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. You could tell the Delta employee volunteers were having a great time during this event.

Santa gave Travis a great big hug and you could tell he was a Santa that understands the challenges of special needs kids. Santa asked T if he had been a good boy this year, I think we know that answer. Travis told Santa he wants the "Planes: Fire and Rescue" movie. After visiting Santa, other Delta elves had presents for Travis and for Barrett, plus a backpack filled with Delta goodies for both.

Santa giving T a hug

T telling Santa what he wants

Barrett was surprised to also receive a gift in addition to Travis. We walked towards the tables where the boys could open their presents. They knew Travis loves all things "Cars" and "Planes", the gifts were perfect for T. He loved the Dusty, Radiator Springs race track, and the Radiator Springs 500 1/2 race car. He's been eyeing those the past few weeks (after forms were submitted to the elves). The presents had the children's name tags and some elves included their names on the tags. Imagine my surprise to read Esther on the back of one of Travis' tags. This is the same Esther we met before we boarded the plane.

Dusty from "Planes: Fire and Rescue"

B loved his Air Hog helicopter

They both enjoyed this gift.

The event included lunch with a kid-friendly menu, T loved the mac and cheese, gogurt, and cookies. We spent time visiting with other families that we know through Miracle League and the kids had fun also. Both boys picked out Christmas-themed stuffed animals, thankfully we had the Delta backpacks to help carry the load. The time arrived for the group picture and then to board the bus back to Shriners.

Buddy the Elf

Micki and Bridget, our Delta elves

One happy kid

Throughout this event I felt overwhelmed with emotions, many times tears filled my eyes. I remember seeing events like this on the news and never imagined our family would be one of the participants. Both boys had a great time and this memory will stick with them for a very long time. Much appreciation for all involved in this great event. Thank you...