Recently flew BCN-EWR solo with two kids under five, almost a 9 hour flight. I took my daughter, 3, for a walk to the back galley and a flight attendant asked me if I wanted wings. I had a vision of blue cheese dressing before I realized she was talking about pilot wings for my daughter's t-shirt. I remember looking forward to getting a deck of cards and wings when I flew as a kid. I haven't seen wings for years but thought it was really cool that United was still giving them to young fliers.

Re: turbulence you were fortunate to be flying an A320 vs a prop plane or lighter aircraft but summer is synonymous with shifty air. I second James's comment about not being in control and an overactive imagination plays a role too.