Airport Horror - Crazed and Confused

First, Picture a crazy woman running through the airport with a car seat strapped on her back, a stroller full of bags, and a wild toddler running around away from her while she waits for her flight.  Next, visualize a flight in the middle of the day, and all you want to do is sleep but there is some wild child behind you screaming at the top of his lungs kicking the back of the seat.  Well, these were just two scenarios of our adventure to and from Florida this past week.  The trip was amazing and totally worth the oodles of stress that came from trying to get to and from there but I thought I would share.

As a mom, I know that flying will not be as enjoyable as it once was and I mentally prepare for flying with a 2 year old months in advance.  So when that day finally comes I can act in control and composed.  I check out the many flying with kids websites to make sure I have everything I need.  Sounds like a good strategy, right?  Well, not so much. 

The day came and went and I was neither in control or composed.  My son was running wildly through the airport before the flight and I was running, yes running, after him for about 1.5 hours.  My initial thought was, great, this will wear him out for the flight and he isn't hurting anyone or getting hurt, so go for it! Oh no... He was not tired.  He was hopped up on something the entire flight.  What did I do??  I whipped out my bag of tricks asap to try to engage him in something quiet.  I did have a HUGE bag full of stuff.  He wasn't having it.  He was kicking the seat in front of him, yelling "don't want plane" over and over.  I just couldn't bring him back down.  So as you can imagine our fellow passengers on the plane began turning around and giving that "control you child" look because they wanted to enjoy their flight.  I couldn't control him.  I tried to have him watch a movie, didn't work.  Play with new toys, didn't work. Play with my phone, didn't work.  I tried everything.  When we hit the ground at our final destination I was relieved that it was over.  I made it through.

We went on to enjoy the week away... no flaws, fights, or anything.

Then it was time to pack up and leave.  The anxiety sets in.  Did we really have to do this again???? Our flights were later this time so we had our fingers crossed that lil man would be tired.  You think he was??  Nope.  This time though to HIS bag of tricks he added cold cock punches to his fit.  Man, I must be missing something here on this parenting gig if i cannot get him to calm down.  This flight was filled with death stares, punches to the face, flight attendants bringing treats to make him happy, and 2 very tired parents.

After the last flight, my husband and I were spent.  My in laws came to pick us up and as they hugged me hello I lost it.... tears came flying out of my face.  I couldn't hide it or explain it to them.  The overwhelming emotions and feelings I had were indescribable.  They must have thought I was a crazy person.

I did make it out alive (with some bruises).  I do want to know if there are any other mom's out there that have had similar situations and/or have any solutions that have worked well for their "wild" child on a plane??