How to Pack a Family

"Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip”, says a funny quote I read today. I heartily agree. My Man often refers to himself as the "Packing King", and we're about to challenge his skill as we prepare to take our first "big trip" with four children. Realize, if you will, that merely getting everyone in the van to go to Wal-Mart can, on any given day, seem like a grand undertaking.

Over the past 15 years, we've prepared for many a trip. Early in our marriage, we discovered it best to pack separately. Very separately. In a pinch, under dire circumstances, we are forced to place our belongings into the same suitcase--but if at all possible--we avoid it. It's just best that way.

My approach to packing, in the past, has been that of the "willy-nilly, why-think-too-far-ahead" variety. Unfortunately, when "willy-nilly" meets "Daytimer, let's-make-a-packing-schedule", no small amount of friction ensues.

Sooooo as they say, something had to give. On this matter, it was me. I feel the need to quietly whisper, "I'm much the better for it."

Six days before our scheduled departure date...our "staging area" looked like this:




As the days draw closer, the checkmarks become more plentiful...Cole has proven to be the "Packing Prince" as he nearly completed his list 3 or 4 days ago and has been "encouraging" Meg (Princess of "Willy-Nilly") to get her list finished.

I've learned that "willy-nilly" for a gang of our scope and sequence simply causes too much stress (especially on those square angle types). It seems that a bit of organizing can result in big payoffs that lead to peace in the valley, or in the van as the case may be, even before we head down those "happy trails." Who knew??

Isn't it amazing, the lengths to which one will go to impress her Man?
(Just don't ask how I'm doing with my list.)

Grandparent Camp

We're all flung about this month as this family member and that one have been at Camp Pappa & Mamma. First Cole left us for parts southwest for his turn at camp, then after a twice extended stay, Megan was swapped for Cole and has been a "happy camper" for the last week. Today, Kate will be exchanged for Meg, and off to Mamma & Pappa's (and Aunt Sherri & Uncle Mike's) she will travel.

Kate, a'twitter with anticipation, has had her clothes laid out to be packed for 3 days! After two days of begging me to get out her suitcase, I relented and she's already to go. Honestly, she needed no help except a reminder to take her swimsuit and her toothbrush. Everything else, including 4 pairs of shoes - no problem. Babydoll Ethel is packed and waiting with her own bags as is a backpack full of books "to entertain me on the way." Cole's entire week's worth of clothing, etc. was packed in one single backpack and Meg took one small suitcase! Viva, la difference.