Finally, the wife and I are going somewhere together!!!!! My uncle, aunt, and their two kids were with us...seeing as how it's their condo on Cocoa
Beach we're visiting. 
Got the upgrade notification Tuesday for today's flight.
Left the house at 4pm. Arrived at the Parking Spot North at DFW around 4:50p. Two stops: one at Term A and the other at Term C, then across the road to our terminal (Term D).
Starting tomorrow, they're cutting back staffing at DFW, so some areas will be strictly automated machines with folks there to help with luggage. Honestly, today at D29, it felt about the same as they explained it. The First Class line was going slow, so we hit the kiosks. The baggage check was slow as hell there too. Some people just have too many questions. Sometimes I wish they had three lines: 1) First/Business Paid, 2) coach, no status, irregular travelers, 3) the frequent flier elites. Line 3 would go SOOOOOO fast.
Anyway, bags through, on to the fast line at security (for no reason, as the regular line was empty), then on to the bar.
The Reata Grill is a favorite in Term D for me and the Mrs. We used to go to Reata back when it was atop the Bank One bldg........before the tornado in Ft Worth. Anyway, there's always a soft spot there for Reata. Besides, it's right inside security, and right across from the gate (not to mention that I don't get access to the clubs unless I'm travelling int'l--yes, I have no Admirals Club membership because I'm cheap).
My family had just come through security when I ordered my martini, so I went to meet them. We all sat in the "open" area of Reata for about an hour before the flight, drinking wine.
Me and the Mrs were in 1st class, and my Uncle (who has the same status I do) was in coach because you can't easily upgrade more than 1 person, or book exit rows if you have children with you.
Alas, me and Mrs Oneant were in 3E and 3F, respectively. They were in back (9A/B for the kids, and 10A/B for the adults).
Anyway, flight took off to the North, turned right toward FL, then went along normally. Nothing much of interest. VERY smooth flight actually. She had the tortellini and I had the flat-iron steak. It was ok, but a bit tough. Should have had the tortellini.
At this point, I coerced the purser to send a glass of wine back to the "cute guy in 10A" but my uncle was in 10B, so it went to my aunt. Oh well. For being willing to do that I gave the purser one of the AAward certificates we get. But her name was Joanne, so I'll be e-mailing, and snail mailing, customer service to truly thank her for being so cool.
After the dinner trays were cleared, I leaned back, put the iPod in, and relaxed. The Mrs kept reading with the light on....damn that light!!!! I got her to turn it off on final approach.
Weather was awesome!!! Smooth, beautiful views, even at night, and clear skies.
Landed--we were the first people off the plane being in 3E/F, waited for the family in back, hit the baggage claim, grabbed the van (6 of us with massive
luggage to bring stuff to the condo for free ), headed out, and arrived.
Here I am, sitting on their wrap around patio on the 5th floor. It's pitch black right now, as it's 4:30a. I can see over the roof to the left to the Kennedy Space Center lights. I can see the whitecaps of the waves rolling in. Occasionally, there's an idiot with his flashlight looking at the turtles nesting. But even more entertaining are the occasional ships you see on the horizon. Right now, and it's 4:42am here, I can see a HUGE cruise ship off the coast.
I'll post an update on the return trip. Upgrade hasn't come through yet--AA is waiting to sell them--but we'll get it.
