Big squishy to you hun. I love your calendar idea, that is fantastic! When DH goes away (usually it's only 1 or 2 nights) he tells Oskar the night before. However, the first time we did let him know a few days ahead and then just gave him little reminders about it. Andy usually does bath/bed so it was me who had to "learn" their little rituals. He was actually fine with it all which did surprise me. I find that I have more issues with the mornings (this is all the time, every weekday lol) that he wants to call out to daddy to come and get him out of bed. Andy tries to bring him a new book each time too.

With DD1 being a thinker, maybe she could have the special task of marking off the calendar each day and maybe she could think up some things she might like to do/make etc for you for when you get home? Like little pictures or things about what they've been doing?

As for the airport, I think you need to do what you feel is best there for you all.