Keep It Kasual

*February 8th, 2014 Kris POV*

A week away, this is exactly what we need. While most of the guys were either stuck in Pittsburgh due to school or going South; Kallie, Alex and myself were headed West. I had managed to get the docs to agree that a trip of this duration would not affect my recovery as long as I kept on schedule with what I needed to be doing. I was still trying to convince Kalista of the same. We had put a truce on about this while we had gone to Mass tonight to not only go before we left at god awful early but also so we could get a family blessing for travel.

We were waiting for Father McCaffrey after Mass was over. I could tell by the look on her face Kallie was gearing up for our discussion again. I knelt down to be near Alex so I could explain. "You know we are going on an airplane tomorrow very early right?"

He looked at me excitedly and nodded. "No go see Mamie, go play in the water." I kissed the top of his head.

"That is right mon fils, we are going to Hawaii to play in the warm water. It will be a long day of flying for all of us and I know your maman has special things packed for you for when we are on the plane." I knew this because I had watched my beloved make sure we had everything we needed for Alex before we came to church tonight. Then Father McCaffrey came back into the nave. "So we have asked Father McCaffrey to say a special blessing for people who are traveling so that God knows we want him to watch us while we are away from home."

Alex looked over at Father McCaffrey who smiled down at him. Cocking his head Alexander eyed Father. I think he was trying to figure out how prayer would be good. "He follow us?"

Ah, that was what was hanging him up. Father McCaffrey smiled. "Yes but not directly. He will send his angels to watch over you all and keep you safe. When you all safely come home you can say thank you prayers. I am sure your parents would help with that too." That happy smile I knew so well broke across my son's face. "Come help me Alexander. You can hold the holy water while we pray."

Kallie wiped an eye. I took her hand and all of us moved to the altar. Father put Alex directly in front of us and offered him the holy water pot, while he had the prayer book held by one of the altar servers. "Hold it carefully please." Alex grinned and held the pot in both arms, then the prayer began. "O God, Who did cause the children of Israel to traverse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who did point out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels we may safely reach that journey's end, and later the haven of eternal salvation." He picked up the holy water censer and sprinkled it over the three of us. "Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their journeyings. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that, insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Christ our Lord." I squeezed Kallies' hand as the three of us entoned along with Father. "Amen."

Alexander handed over the holy water pot easily and had a smile on his face. The altar server took both the book and the pot and placed them safely where they belonged while Father knelt down to Alex's level. "Now your guardian angel knows to watch you extra carefully and keep you from harm. I hope you enjoy your chance to play in the warm water during this month. I know that you will be as good as you can be for your parents while you are all away." He put an extra blessing on Alex as we exited the nave.

Father let Kallie take Alex to the car and held me back a moment. "I shall continue to pray for your safe journey and health while you are away. I hope you have discussed this with your doctors."

I smiled. "I have Father. They have said as long as I keep up with what they have told me I can do I should be fine. Keep a prayer in for us to get through this without too much more friction. Kalista and I have been arguing over if this trip is a good idea. We both need a break from the anxiety that has taken hold."

Father chuckled. "I am sure that you all will find peace during your vacation. As I said earlier, trust in the Lord to guide you." I shook his hand and went out to the car.

*Kallie's POV*

I put Alex happily into the car and waited for Kris. I knew the team docs have said this trip was fine but I still couldn't shake the feeling I had that something was going to go wrong. I was also tired of the round about fighting we had been doing. I half listened to Alex's happy babble while Kris got in. "He wanted to check about our fight didn't he."

Kris sighed. "Yes. He said he would pray for us about this and we should trust God."" I put a hand over his as we drove towards home. "I know you wanted me cancel this, but I think we all need it. The chance to be anonymous and forget about everything that is weighing us down." I refrained from restarting our fight. Not that we often fought but we both hated to do so in front of Alexander.

When we got home we found Flower on our doorstep. I knew they were leaving Sunday afternoon as Vero and I had spent the last few days packing for the kids together. "Oh Thank God you haven't left yet! I didn't leave anything in your car after our last roadie did I?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "You did but V has it already. We found it when we went to see Carole-Lyne the next day." Kris was double checking that Alex knew what he would have to pack when we got up so I spoke to Flower. "V said she had been looking for it so she could use it for Estelle. I suggest you ask her." As much as Kris and I had been arguing we did agree on one thing. We were only going to be using carry on luggage. I had gone over the rules for United with a fine tooth comb on what we could and could not bring.

There was another knock and then the rest of the Fleury family came in. "Don't tell me. He is here looking for that bag is he not." I nodded, trying not to laugh. She shook her head sadly. "For someone who's job is detail oriented, you mon amour are dense at times." She handed Estelle to me and took his face in her hands. "I told you twice that I packed it with things Estelle will need while we are gone. You have already put it in the car."

Alex and Estelle were playing with each other as I held her. Kris had just brought his suitcase and carry on down and was trying not to laugh at his friend. "Give up. I am sure you will get it back after your family trip." Kris had surprised me with a new international sized case a few days ago, twin to the one he had just placed near the door. "Or, you know, you could just get a replacement for it."

Flower looked affronted. Extracting himself from his wife's hands he turned to confront Kris. "Do you know how long I have had that case?" I think he forgot whom he was speaking to.

Kris nodded. "And I know how many times you have sworn at it when it refused to open. With all of the traveling we do you would think that having a case that opens properly would be important to you."

Alex was tugging at my shirttail. "Hungry mama." I checked the time and understood why. I took both children into the kitchen with me.

Soon enough we were all sitting down to eat. We chatted about the things we had yet to pack, mostly things we needed in the morning. "That does remind me, I have a few things to make packing easier for you Kallie." Kris said as we finished cleaning up. He went down into the basement for a while and came up with two boxes.

*Kris' POV*

I had been planning for this trip since Christmas and had everything we would need to have fun and only use carry on bags. I saw the skeptical look on Kallie's face when I came up with the boxes for them but I ignored them and instead pulled Alex into my lap. "Come here love, let me give you two some secrets I have learned." I put Alex's box on the coffee table and set Kallie's on the floor away from her. "This is all things for Alex, the other is for you. Let's go through this one first."

"Unless you have a bag for him in there I don't see how this is all going to help." I grinned and pulled out the bag I had selected for our son. Kallie gaped and Alex clapped.

"You are not the only one who learned a few things at Christmas. We now all need our own travel gear, so I went looking. Mon fils, help me open this." I said as I set the bag on the table. Alex, who had been caressing the bag reverently jumped at the chance to help.

"G'een!" Alex nearly shouted. "G'een mama!" Did I know my son or what? He loved the color green.

Kallie chuckled. "I see that. A lot of green. What else does papa have?" I began pulling things out, starting with the packing cubes I got him.

"These will help us all stay organized when we're away, but I know you will love what's under them too." I said as I pulled the foldable stool out. Alex was looking at it funny. "Do you know who has a step stool like this? Tante Aleks, but hers is black." I then showed him how the stool opened and locked. "I thought we would need something for him to get on the potty by himself." Kallie flushed, she hadn't thought about that I think. I continued. "Alex has everything he needs to travel, including a cart for his cart seat so he doesn't have to walk all the time."

Her confusion and embarrassment vanished. "That's why we were going to bring the stroller, so we could have him sleep and still bring the seat." She went and picked up a bag with wheels, she pulled off the cover and quickly unfolded it into what I knew was Alex's stroller. "When we went to the museum we needed to tote the seat cause Carol-Lyne was going to bring us to their place. That's how I know the stroller will carry it."

She folded it back up and moved back to the couch. "Where's his backpack? I'll take some of these cubes and get it organized and easy to go through." I asked as I gathered the things to pack that and moved aside.

"Oh, that's in our room, along with everything for it. What are we going to do for toiletries for all of us?" I smiled and brought out the Go Toobs, I had used these myself as I knew how good they were. "You've thought of everything, what about bags for those though." I reached over tossed Alex' greenish yellow 311 bag at her. She just shook her head and went back to packing his things in his new bag.

Spread out on our bed was a combination of all sorts of things for Alex, I went to work. I looked at all of the books she had and divided them in half, I then did the same with everything else. Now that it was a more reasonable pile I began packing. Half of the books went into a large cube, toys into a medium one and the small one got a full change of clothes. I added the travel set I had gotten him, his new headphones and the empty Kleen Kanteen, then packed the rest into another cube for one of our bags.

As I was zipping his new backpack up on the way down the stairs I noticed, Alex was in his pjs. "Bedtime already, wow."

Alex laughed. "No! Mama wants snacks." I held up a finger when I saw he had the lunchbox. I grabbed the Yumboxes, sandwich cutter, dry snack containers and Alex which made the last giggle.

"Come padawan, we will pack snacks for the trip while mama checks on your backpack." I heard Kallie roll her eyes but I also knew she was going to go through it just to know where things were. Alex got into his learning tower as I opened the Yumboxes. He was glued to what I was doing. Knowing that many were allergic to peanuts I opted to skip the peanut butter. Instead I loaded the original Yumbox with Alex's favorite snacks. Raisins, cheese, bite size Ritz crackers, carrots and chicken pieces; that left the smallest well. "Do you want the last of the hummus or ranch to dip in?" He picked the ranch and in some went.

I then made turkey sandwiches for all of us. Using the cutter, which was shaped like a pair of penguins, I cut Alex's and put them into his green Panino Yumbox. I added sides all of us liked and then put everything into the fridge. I set his new lunchbox on the counter where we couldn't forget it as Kallie came over.

"Pray time?" He asked as he went to the bucket we had set up as part of his calendar wall. I nodded and he made his nightly show of finding someone to say a special prayer for. Keeping it hidden we went upstairs for our bedtime routine.

*Kallie's POV*

I watched them go upstairs and smiled. Kris had gotten things to make everything easier while we were gone. The packing cubes alone were proof, then he had made Alex's first long trip even better by getting him his own suitcase in a pattern Kris knew Alex would love. It made me wonder what was in my box, but that would wait until later. Now was for checking the snacks and adding some extra special things. I added the Kleen Kanteen to the lunchbox so we wouldn't forget it. As I checked the boxes Kris has packed I was thrilled, they were color coded for our family.

I added some goldfish crackers to the dry snack container on the counter and then checked the bucket. I had made, with Vero's help, a travel size version of his prayer bucket, two large toothbrush holders and some small popsicle sticks. I made the travel one match the one we had here and stuck it into his suitcase. It had become the single most important bedtime routine for Alex, even above the nightly story. It was how he said goodnight to everyone he loved, including God.

As I wandered upstairs for goodnight kisses I heard the surprise prayer. "And please God, watch over Team Canada as they are in Sochi. Amen." Then it was time for kisses, hugs and sleep tights.

We went back downstairs to where my own box was waiting, to not only let Alex fall asleep by himself but to give us a chance to relax as well. "Is everything to your liking?" Kris asked as he brought my suitcase over to where we were on the couch.

I chuckled. "You have made someone's first long trip very special, it makes me wonder what you've got stashed for me." I moved closer to him. "I especially loved the shoe bags for him and how it was all green. That is going to make everything so much easier."

Kris smiled at me softly. "That was the idea. Have you check out your surprises yet?" I shook my head. "Then let's do that."

He moved my box onto the coffee table and took his hands away. "I saw the lunch boxes, those are great. What else did you think I would need?"

I hadn't noticed that my box was upside down until Kris revealed the backpack inside. "Most of it is in here." He then sat back and waited.

I couldn't help but nearly squeal with delight as I pulled it towards me. The first thing I noticed was it wasn't just a backpack, it was more like a softsided suitcase shaped like a backpack. As I unzipped it I found so many packing cubes, 4 sizes of them! "Are you saying I'm not organized?" I asked in a teasing tone.

Kris chuckled. "Far from it beloved. I thought they would help keep you as organized as you are here. I know you want to have as much in place as you can."

I barely refrained from smacking him as I delved further into the bag. This time I came out with my own shoe bag. "I get my own too." I said. As I opened it my chin hit my chest at the treasure trove of beauty that was inside, along with a note.

Kals- If I didn't already love Kris for making you happy this would've done it. I approve and use everything in here. Have fun in Hawaii! -Ers

I gasped. "I asked what you should have to travel with, Ciera gave me a list and handed me that note when we were in Ottawa." He moved the packing cubes between us and took my hands. "I know you are nervous about the trip, I don't understand why though."

I sighed, tearing up. "It sounds stupid." I complained as I moved closer to him.

Kris pulled me into his arms. "Let me be the judge of that. Talk to me my love." Enfolding me he hugged me. "I don't want to fight, I want to understand." His voice and manner was gentle.

I smiled and tried to explain. "When you collapsed the only thing I could think was, 'Dear God don't take him now!'. I was so scared I was going to lose you." I reached for some tissue to dry my eyes.

He rubbed my back. "I was just as scared love, but we know what happened now."

I slipped back into his embrace. "I know, but I can't shake the what if feeling. Even with everyone explaining how slim that chance is. I'm afraid." I closed my eyes and tried not to break down.

Kris put his chin on my shoulder. "I am too honestly, but we can't let fear run our lives. You know that I am doing what they will let me do. I already have looked into if I need surgery, but no one thinks I do. I don't know how to put you at ease, but I do know I will fight for us with every breath."

Somehow hearing he was scared too lessened my fear. The knowledge that he would fight helped too. "I don't know if I can shake this off feeling I have, but I'll do my best to get past it."

He kissed my temple. "Bon, let's see what Ciera insisted you take." PUlling the shoe bag over to us I felt lighter than I had since his collapse. I pulled out the see through bag first, inside were more Go Toobs in 3 sizes and a miniature makeup line called Stowaway. Loose in the bag were products I loved, only geared toward travel. A new pair of EOS lip balm and lotion, 2 sunscreens from Neutrogena; one for adults and one for kids both in stick form and a bar of Lush soap.

Then I pulled out the last surprises, a Kipling crossbody purse and my own Kleen Kanteen. Knowing that the Shoe bag had been stuffed I opened the purse. Inside were 2 RFID passport wallets, a brightly wrapped package, 2 boxes of Earplanes and a small jewelry box. Kris pulled out the wrapped package. "What did you do?" I teased.

"Indulged your oncle. Open it." I tore into it and gasped. There were 3 camera shaped luggage tags, 1 with my business monogram (KCC) and 2 that had KDL on them. It took me a moment to realize what the L stood for. When it did I nearly broke down. "Hey, no crying."

I shook my head. "Just surprised me, that's all." This was the first time I had seen my soon to be initials. I turned them over and found a QR code.

Kris came over. "Those were my idea. I use the same on mine and it's linked to my cell phone. These are linked to yours and the ones Alex got have both." He then handed me the jewelry box. "Open this." I found a heart shaped pendant and a set of instructions inside. It was a ring holder.

I quickly put my rings on it and then around my neck. "I guess I won't need to worry about these as we're swimming." As I pulled them back off and realized that I wouldn't have to wear another necklace either. I went looking for a couple pairs of earrings that would go well with it.

While I did, Kris had pulled apart my suitcase. When I came back down he grinned, my clothing had been packed into my cube, even my shoes in the shoe bag. "You better pack your backpack yourself. Don't forget the cords for what electronics you're taking." I grinned and grabbed the smaller cubes. I was only taking my tablet, which had plenty to do on it. I also packed my last non-pro camera, not that it wasn't a good one it just wasn't one I used on the job anymore.

When I packed the bag, I found I had plenty of room for not only Alex's extra goodies but my own things and changes of clothes for both of us. Then it was time to pair down my purse for travel. "Do you have Alex's documentation? At least I'm guessing the green one is his."

He smiled , grabbed something off the desk in the corner and sat down. "Alex's passport, his birth certificate, the letter of adoption, the letter of termination of rights and both health cards." It sounded like a lot but it wasn't. We'd been cautioned to carry all of this when Alex travelled with me. Kris put it all in the green passport wallet and then got a card out of his wallet. "Almost forgot, his Pennsylvanian ID." We had gotten it as a precaution before his birthday trip. He handed it to me and I added it to my purse. We then went to bed as we had a 4 am wake up coming.

*February 9th, 2014 4am*

As I jolted awake to the radio, Kris groaned. I got up and quickly crawled through a shower. Kris grabbed his as I was putting my face on, I used the new Stowaway stuff Ciera gave me, it was a great set. I looked fresh and flawless and now felt like I could face this long day.

While Kris got himself ready, I threw some protein shakes together for us. They were ready as he carried Alex down and laid him on the couch. We drank them and went over the last minute packing we needed to do. I didn't even forget Alex's favorite stuffy.

There was a knock at the door at 4:45 and there was Pascal. He looked bright eyed as they loaded his SUV with our gear. He even took Alex and put him in his freshly installed car seat.

15 minutes later we were unloaded at the airport. As Pascal hugged me he whispered in my ear. "Come back safe lady and enjoy yourself."

I yawned and then chuckled. "Enjoy your week off and treat your wife. She deserves it." He grinned and agreed.

Checking in was easy as was maneuvering through the airport, gotta love rolling bags you can piggy back. Then we hit the TSA. At first they didn't want to let us have Alex stay in the stroller, until a supervisor came to take his place. Then it was, they checked him for whatever the did and we were through. As we gathered ourselves the Supervisor asked where we were headed. Kris smiled. "A pre-wedding check of our ideal honeymoon spot."

The man smiled. "Just get well soon, our D sucks without you."

"That's not true. Aleks, Paulie and Maats have been killing it. I'm working on it though." Then we were out of earshot.

Boarding the plane was our next hurdle, mostly because of the other First Class passengers. I heard a few grumbling as Kris put the seat in, nevermind that Alex was asleep still. I got everything stowed quickly and neatly. Kris put in the children's earplanes on Alex and got himself situated too. That's when I remembered the chocolates we had brought for those around us and the flight crew. I decided to wait until we were in the air to give them out.

*Kris' POV*

Alex woke as we took off, I think due to the engine noise. "Bye bye home." he mumbled as we lifted off, it was what he said every time. Then I got out his first surprise. "Pingouin, papa."

"Oui mon fils, pingouin. Hold him." I took out the blow up pillow and took care of it. Then I showed him how the blanket and pillow went together. He sleepily smiled and curled back up to sleep. I kissed his forehead and heard a distinct grumble behind us.

"Children do not belong in First Class."

Before I could defend our choice, Kallie did. "You know nothing about us or our son. This isn't his first trip and he knows the rules we have for planes. Don't judge all children by the bad ones, even you have bad days." That shut up the ass.

Soon we were altitude and Alex was tugging on his ears. I gave him his Kleen Kanteen, which we had filled after TSA with ice and water. That helped and he settled back down. I saw Kallie pass out the chocolates, first to the flight crew and then most everyone around us.

Once Alex was awake for real he wanted to see what was in his backpack. I brought it up and saw the light in his eyes sparkle. "Sta Was." He said reverently. Yes he had a complete matching set of Star Wars kids gear from Pottery Barn Kids, no I did not feel guilty about it. I even had them put his initials on them all in green so he knew they were all his, that's when the flight attendant stopped by.

"That's a great backpack. Do you like Star Wars?" Alex nodded rapidly. "Me too. If you or your dad need something let me know okay." The guy behind Alex harumphed loudly.

"Stay safe in seat." Alex said, "but I need potty." That got me moving. Alex and I got him to and through the airplane's bathroom. After we were back, the attendant was too.

"We're about to start breakfast service. Does he need any special utensils?"

I dug into his lunchbox and pulled out the Light My Fire little spork I had gotten. "We have something made for kids already, but thank you." Soon after I was cutting up his breakfast while we were cruising the sky.

The flight was rather uneventful. Alex used his indoor voice and his manners which made him a hit with the crew. I believe the only passenger who wasn't having a good flight was the man who didn't want Alex in this class, everyone else remarked that he was a wonderful little boy.

Once we were close to naptime he did get fussy. He was hungry and it wasn't time for lunch yet. It was then I was so thankful to Pascal for showing me the Yumbox. We had spent our layover in Chicago finding the new gate and hadn't done more than refill Alex's bottle and grab some coffee for Kallie and I. With the Yumbox I was able to have a happy, sleepy kid in no time, to my own delight.

Kallie asked if I needed a break from Alex as I had chosen to sit next to him on both flights. "Non, we're fine. We are enjoying finding all the things maman packed for him." She smiled and flushed a bit. I don't think she realizes just how wonderful _she_ is.

After lunch was served on the flight the woman ahead of us asked how old Alex was. "He is two and while he has gone on many short flights, this is his first cross country trip."

She smiled. "Well how nice. He has certainly made my trip happier. You and his mother should be very proud of him. I have seen you do very little other than just pay attention to him and he has not behaved badly at all." The man next to her was nodding along.

"Merci, we appreciate the compliment. Most of the work has been done by my wife. She has taught him rules for the plane that we came up with and has been quite strict in the past during the shorter trips they have taken." Alex was playing with his favorite app on my tablet with his headphones, his giggle drew our attention. "Knowing the rules helps him with limits which helps him be as good as he can."

Kallie chuckled. "Don't forget, he has had meltdowns but those were stopped once the reasons behind them was figured out. Not that there wasn't consequences though." The conversation continue for most of the rest of the flight, with a few important interruptions by Alex. Sooner than we thought we were taxiing to the terminal, it was time for our Hawaiian adventure to begin.