After retracing our steps several times at PDX and turning TSA into my own personal investigative force, earning my a “Sorry, sweetheart” at my third visit, I resigned myself to a squinting holiday. Until we landed at Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., when Carl reached into his jacket pocket and proffered the previously panic-producing pupil pals. Yup. Who would have thought to look there? Certainly not Flip, who proudly acts like he solved this mystery by his very own self. My I need Carl to help with luggage, so strangling is out. Let the play begin!