Getting two kids and a baby out the door

Getting out the door is always the hardest part.

We had to make five hours to meet up with the rest of my family at the beach. It is a doable one day drive for our kid-toting crew.

We planned to leave at 2pm. We hit the on ramp at four, and I decided that was a success!

First mistake, my wife and I decided that I would work a half day, and then she would work with one of her clients before our departure. This was NOT a good idea. Every time we plan for a trip we are still trying to maximize work before departure and this inevitably leads to stress. Sadly, it often takes the first hour on the road just to regain the excitement of travel and adventure. 

#1 Reminder to self and recommendation to others. Give yourself time to get things together for departure at a normal pace.

Never again will I do the cardio workout version of packing, loading, and getting the kids in the car!

#2. Do have a list of VITAL gear.

My oldest son has asthma medicine and an inhaler. It has to be with us. Middle son has a "Dolly" that is a requirement for a successful  trip.  Baby bottles, diapers, and wipes are necessities as are phone chargers.

My wife did a fantastic job of having all the "must haves" ready. She had these details down ...just like always. She nailed it.

#3. Have car friendly snacks ready for the kids.

This will help with the loading and every step of travel along the way. Car friendly should include some type of spill proof cup. I had this covered! Pretzels and fruit snacks work well.

#4. A ball, and a bag/box of well chosen traveling toys are key.

This will buy you a break on the road, and a few moments of peace in the hotel/or wherever you are staying. Preferable these are toys that do not have any electronically produced sound effects.  Be careful that if an irreplaceable favorite makes the trip that you keep tabs on it at every stop. I mean every stop.

 Sadly our toddler once lost his "Wilby" on a flight. Wilby was a strip of an Ikea sheep skin rug which he used to fall asleep every night. He would twirl it around his fingers and rub it on his face. It was his constant sleep companion from when he turned one until he was two and a half. Losing Wilby added an hour long stop at IKEA for replacement - Do not fool yourself - this stop could not be avoided.

#5 Enough underwear is a must.

Everything else should be taken with a grain of salt. Numbers of shirts...no big deal. Pants or shorts...don't sweat it...socks...eh...it's vacation. In the end we did get on the road. The boys and I had a picnic sitting on the back bumper of the van. We played soccer in the grass by the van, and they never knew that dad "cardio-packed". 

Do you have any other favorite kid friendly departure tips? We would love to hear them.

Next ...Tips for Road Trip.