Don’t let the word vacation fool you. Taking kids on vacation is really taking the show on the road. Be prepared! The packing and preparations can be such a tedious task. Gathering clothing, diapers, pacis, toys, food, entertainment for the car ride. (We gave up on air travel years ago when the kids were old enough that we had to start paying for all of them). Several trips to Target to get one more thing. Holding the mail, plans for watering the flowers and feeding the fish.
I started doing packing lists on the computer when my oldest was the little guy. I save them by the date and age of the kids. I can refer back to the list for 1 year olds the next time I have a one year old and add it to the master list for the upcoming trip. It is amazing how much stuff the little ones need. The list does get shorter as they get older. Now the kids help pack their clothes and toys. This usually involves lots of running up and down the hallway with extreme excitement as they bring their clothes into my room to pile up on the bed. The trick is to keep it all sorted by each kiddo so the pile doesn’t turn into a mound of unfolded boys’ clothes in three sizes.
Packing their backpacks is one of my favorite parts. I enjoy finding little toys, sticker books and games for them to enjoy in the car. The dollar spot, book section and clearance end caps at Target are good places to look and surprisingly Kohl’s has neat travel activity books. I keep them hidden away and put them in their bags right before we leave. They climb into the van the morning we’re leaving anxious to dig through their bags and find their new treats.
No matter how much help you have, remember, it is the mom’s job to make sure it all makes into the van or there will be trouble later! We forgot Andy’s backpack one time, oh my, it wasn’t pretty when we figured it out. Now he puts his bag in before Joe even starts to pack the van.
I also have a travel food list and a camper packing list if we’re heading out with the tent-on-wheels, a.k.a. the pop-up camper. I print the lists a few days ahead of time and keep them handy for jotting down anything else we need for that particular trip. I update the lists when I get home, save them by date and forget about them until the next time we head out.
Arriving at your destination with plenty of clean clothes, food and little kid paraphernalia helps make taking the show on the road worth it. Now you have a few days off from the regular routine and you can enjoy the fun and making memories with your family. And yes, be prepared for someone to get sick requiring a trip to the local urgent care.
As for a “real” vacation...Joe and I on a beach, fruity drinks in hand, with the kids at home with Papaw and Grandma. Now that sounds like vacation!
Mike and I will come with you and Joe for the "real" vacation. Sounds dreamy doesn't it? I am impressed by your checklists by age. I rewrite mine every time:-).
ReplyDeleteThe saved packing lists by age/date are a great Mommy tip I received from you, thanks! I have learned it is up to us Mommy's to get everything organized and packed before any trip. I think I'd rather have it that way anyways. I can't imagine what Joe would pack if I left this mighty task in his lap, hahaha. We just started packing a little bag for Henry but we usually fill it with goodies he already has. When he gets a little older I may do the new "treats" things you do too. You are a great Mommy, Geek!
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