The best gifts in small packages.

Our alpha male. He is such a cutie. Barely taller than my carry on bag that he insists on pulling for me to the boarding gate on the way to vacation. He weaves around behind his father, following right in his trail, but never relinquishing a step under the added burden of his own dinosaur backpack stuffed with activities to keep him busy on our flight.

He loves me. And how can I deny him that, even when he accidentally catches the corner of someone's pant leg trying to maneuver through the holiday crowds.

"No. Me. I will do it," he proclaims whenever anyone tries to convince him that they will take a turn or help him or tell him what he is doing is not necessary.

We all take a rest while waiting for the agent to announce the arrival of our plane. His sister curls up on the floor near him, clutching her stuffie. His eyes blink a little slower, but he refuses to relax.

"I want a snack, " he tells his mom.

"What do you say?" she reminds him.

"Please," he says and eagerly takes the bag of chips and juice box from her. Everyone wonders if the kids will sleep on the flight.

I know for certain our little alpha male will not. He is hanging on until we pull back the covers on his bed at the Airbnb and kiss him goodnight. He is going to make sure his Grandma and his sister all make it okay on this crazy adventure he has not ever experienced himself.

Such big determination and confidence in such a tiny body.

And it makes me feel a little better about the future of the world.