Packing List

My friend, Jen S., suggested that I post my packing list that I use to prepare for our family trips. This is catered to a woman and to small children so please keep that in mind. There are some items that are not needed as much or at all now that Andrew is older. Also, I always do a little tweaking before each trip depending on where we are going, for how long, etc. For example, we need those swim suits and beach towels if there's a pool. And no need for all the extra big stuff if it's a quick trip or relatives have what we need. I've thought before that I should do a list for the beach, a list for camping, a list for the grandparents, etc., but it really seems more work than necessary. This basic list usually works pretty well. (Sorry about the length... I couldn't figure out how to post in columns.)

Emma
outfits
socks
underwear
pull-ups
sippy cup
pjs
blankets
jacket/hat
travel kit
shoes
toothbrush/toothpaste
tangle spray

Andrew
onesies
outfits
socks
robeez
diapers
wipes
Tylenol
nebulizor/meds
pjs
washcloths
towel
blankets
hats
bottles
burp cloths

Kris
underwear
bras/breastpads
pantiliners/tampons
vitamins
outfits
pjs
socks
toothbrush/paste
pick
contacs/solution
glasses
sunglasses
makeup
face/body lotion
shoes
coat
spot cream
hair products
deoderant
face wash
hairdryer
pump

Other
snacks for trip
water
plastic bags
magazines/books
camera
videocamera
host(ess) gift
scrapbooks
DVDs/CDs

Misc Kid
backpack
Moby Wrap/sling
stroller
books
toys
snacks
bibs
monitors
wash cloths
towels
thermometer
soap/shampoo
booster chair
pack-n-play/sheets
fan
CD player

And We're Off!

One thing about living away from our families is that we travel a lot. Most holidays are spent on the road, except for the few that we're able to convince our families to come to us. Okay, it's not that difficult. They are all very good about coming out here... especially this last year when I was pregnant and then had a young baby. But this year it's our turn again. We'll leave for PA tomorrow and then spend Christmas in TN.

I kind of feel like a pro now when it comes to preparing for a trip. Although it still is a bit stressful and takes some energy to get everything together. I was talking to another mom at Emma's preschool this morning about how much work it is to get ready. I kind of felt silly - she is the mom of 7 children. But regardless, it is work.

I've learned a couple of things along the way and will continue to learn for years to come. Some tips I have are the following:

• I try to always get my laundry done a day in advance. This meant that I did load after load yesterday. But what a good feeling to get up this morning and know that anything I needed to pack was clean and ready to go.
• I keep an ongoing "packing list" on my computer. It's a list of the essentials for me, both kids, and the general stuff. I let Pete take care of himself. This is not his method and really, it doesn't need to be since he's only responsible for his clothes, toiletries, and optional reading material. I, on the other hand, need to make sure the rest of us have the right clothes, snacks, cameras are ready to go, gifts are wrapped (this time it's my dad's bday celebration), etc. The list helps me remember what I need. I can add to it or just cross off things that might not be necessary for a particular trip. It's totally worth it for me. Just print it off and I've got my guide.
• I always stick a bottle of water or two in the freezer the night before. This can serve as an icepack for a cooler or a drink a little later on the trip. (I'm partial to cold water.)
• If we'll be traveling into the evening, I keep a set of pjs in a travel bag up front so the change is easy and we don't have to go routing through suitcases.
• Whenever possible, we fill up and get cash out before the trip. Pete's out getting cash tonight (oh and my weekly pumpkin pie blizzard but that's not really important to the matter at hand) and I filled the tank yesterday. It cuts time and gets us on the road faster.
• Before we go to bed tonight, everything we need, with the exception of things being used overnight or necessary to get ready in the morning, will be packed and sitting in the living room. That way in the morning, I can quickly get last minute items (these are circled on my list) into the right places and out to the van easily.

Maybe this is all common sense, but these are just some of the things I do to make this trips possible and not too overwhelming. I'd love to hear other suggestions out there as well.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm thankful for each of you in my life.