We are preparing for our first family vacation as a family of four. I’m not usually one for comparing things but I will at least say packing now even with a toddler and a baby is easier than when I travelled for the first time ever as a mother. I was clueless how to differentiate needs vs wants with baby things! However, packing and travelling with little ones is a daunting task. I mean the packing list never ends!
It starts with preparing a mental list of what to take, followed by the written list, and then the collect and gather stage which will lead to the put in all in the suitcase, and last but not least, jam it all in the car. I’m beginning to think I need a vacation before vacation next time to get prepared. Just in the diaper category alone I have packed everyday diapers, disposable swim diapers, a reusable swim diaper, pull-ups, toddler underwear, and nighttime diapers. I can’t make this stuff up.
There is always the to-do list before vacation as well: go to the bank, pay the bills, make mail arrangements, get haircuts, clean and fold laundry, clean the house (wishful thinking), and last-minute errands. Oh, one more thing, there is always that dearest family member who calls and would love to visit before we leave on vacation because they will miss the kids terribly {insert sarcasm}.
The last couple of days have been operation eat what’s left in the fridge. Well, we have excelled with that mission, mostly because I haven’t had a chance to go grocery shopping, but that’s besides the point, I’m going to say I did such a marvellous job getting creative with my cooking that I didn’t leave anything to go to waste {wink}. Now we are 2 days away from our departure day and we really have nothing to eat and hubby and I would have easily managed before kids but with kids it’s a different story. They request and pretty much require a few of the basics that we’re out of so let me squeeze one more thing on my to-do list – pick up a few necessities!
It’s back to the to-do list and the never-ending packing but it’s all worth it because life will be better with sand between my toes…
With Love, Erin
Rosevine Cottage Girls says
June 14, 2015 at 1:02 PMHope you have a great vacation! Enjoy the beach! We went to California in January. It was such a fun time!
Peace Love Beauty says
June 16, 2015 at 6:00 AMThank you!
BeyondMommying says
June 15, 2015 at 9:25 AMTraveling with little ones is no small feat, but it’s worth every second of exploring the world with them! Thanks for linking up with #BeyondMommyingSiS
Peace Love Beauty says
June 16, 2015 at 6:01 AMThank you for hosting the link up!
Amberly says
June 15, 2015 at 11:02 AMJust thinking about all of the extra stuff that I’ll have to pack for a trip now that I have a baby is daunting :P
Peace Love Beauty says
June 16, 2015 at 6:03 AMYes it is, Amberly! But it is so worth every ounce of worry and stress! Thank you for stopping by.
Grace Mountain Diaries says
June 15, 2015 at 3:26 PMHa! We just left for a family vacation and I did the same things! Truth be told though, I did not manage to get the house clean.
Peace Love Beauty says
June 16, 2015 at 6:05 AMIt’s always in my head that it would be such a great feeling to return to a clean house but there are so many other priorities! I managed to vacuum at least..haha. :)