Planning A Trip With Kids

Our vacation hasn’t started, but I believe my mind is already there.

Planning for a trip is a lot of work and I don’t have time for silly tasks such as cooking, laundry and dishes.

Today, Brian gave the kids their new little fishing poles to take with us.  Neither of them have been fishing before and I don’t think we’ve been since we were married either. In fact, we haven’t been on a week long vacation since then either.  That was 6 years ago!   (I don’t count maternity leave as a vacation!)

Ella really got the hang of casting out her line and reeling it back in.

Andrew thinks it’s a sword.

I think we’re going to have a blast and can’t wait!

I still have a lot to do to get ready.  We’re staying in a cabin, so we’ll be preparing our own meals and using our own linens and supplies.  I have an ever growing list of items I’d like to take – including activities for the kids to do while there.  I’m not sure how much actual creativity we’ll get accomplished, but I wanted to try to plan a few little arty fun days.  The kids just LOVE to get messy and it will be a great way to keep them busy and those grumps away!

I’m using a lot of the suggestions (thank you!) you gave me while planning our meals for the week and I’m sure we’ll eat a couple of dinners out.

I have a lot to pack into our mini-van and I’m going to have to be creative.  Do you have any packing tips or tricks that save you when taking a long vacation with kids?  Do you have any “life saver” ideas for a long drive and time away?  Share with me!  I’ll take all the help I can get!