We lucked into a few days at a house in my favorite beach town (South Haven, MI) for later this month, and I cannot WAIT. Swimming, grilling, beach picnics, sunsets....bring it ON.
Of course, with all that comes packing. In previous years we've gone with my whole family, so I could stash some things in my parents' big SUV....after all, they don't have car seats in the back! This year, it's just us, so we are going to be cramming everything into every inch of our small wagon.
I have a huge tendency to overpack and conveniently forget they actually have stores there if we run out of sunblock or break a flip-flop. This year, due to our limited space, I am forcing myself to go minimalist. It's much easier because my kids are older and no longer require the pack-and-play, bouncer, etc. And this is also our first year where no one is in diapers, so hurray!
My must-haves are: multiple swimsuits for all so there's always a dry one, a soft-sided cooler bag for beach picnics, more beach towels than I think we could possibly ever need plus a few extra, and sunscreen that doesn't make my daughter's sensitive skin break out in a rash (the rest of us can buy ours there if need be). Games, cards and movies for rainy days, too. After all, if we bring our whole house with us it doesn't feel like vacation!
What are your vacation packing must-haves?
I don't know. I need to keep up with this post . Like you I over pack.
I'm pretty good at packing, so is DH. Our family of 4 went to Disney for 5 days and everything more than fit into the Juke (you think your car is small I guarantee the Juke is smaller). There wasn't anything in the back seat with the kids except things they wanted. And our souvenirs fit in too! We're tetris packing jedi masters.
My must have for any trip is the iPads. Keeps the kids entertained in the car (games, movies, etc), if where you're staying has wi-fi Netflix and the internet are available. I don't take my laptop anymore the iPad is more portable. Money well spent on both of them.
We are traveling to a beach house this week too. This will be our first year without a pack and play. We had a bunch of rewards point so we are flying. I had to cut way back. The two youngest are newly potty trained so tons of underwear tops our list. LOL
Clothes,sunscreen, a few toys, blankets, lovies, leapsters, my favorite coffee and travel mug:)
Picture Post! Show me your kiddos
- AmyKuras
on Jun. 14, 2012 at 12:00 AM