Creating a Packing List With Google Keep (Simplest Way EVER!)

If you read my series on switching to digital planning, then you know I have become obsessed with Google Keep. 

I'm continuously finding new ways for Google Keep to make my life easier. For instance, I have now made all of our travel lists digital. 

I have two separate labels for travel in my notes. One is for camping. The other is just "travel." 

In the travel section, I also have a list for emergencies (hospital stays). 

I'll go into organizing my camping lists in another post, but I just wanted to show that the lists can be created any way you want- I have them organized by container for camping. 

For this post, I'm going to focus on my "travel" section. I have a few notes "pinned" that are strictly prep lists and the emergency list. 

These are all the things I need to do before a trip and things I need to buy. If you'll notice, there is also a list of things to do in the morning before we leave and things to refill after a trip, like travel placemats and check the first aid kit. 

The unpinned notes are things that need to be packed, as well as some notes about when we have house guests. I'll probably move the house guests notes to a different section eventually. 

My lists are organized by what container/ bag it goes in. If it is just a weekend trip, which is what we usually do, we only have a cooler, a backpack for each person, and a large tote for family things like the first aid kit and snacks. 

You can organize this to what suits your family and situation the best. Creating the list is really simple once you know what to do. 

1. On the left side, click EDIT LABELS and add your travel label
2. Navigate to that TRAVEL label on the left side. 
3. At the top, click TAKE A NOTE and you will get the note box. 
4. You can title your note if you want. 
5. To get checkboxes, click the 3 dots on the bottom right of the note and click SHOW CHECKBOXES
6. To change the color, click the color palate and choose a color or image for the background. This is great for color coding by the person as well. 
7. IF you want to share this note with someone (sending my son's packing list to him), just click the person+ button and enter the email address. 
8. Click CLOSE and your note is saved. 

You can check items off as you go and there is even an option to check all boxes or uncheck all boxes. When I get finished with one list, I deselected all the boxes and archived them. Once I'm done with the trip, I go through and unarchive all those notes and I've got a fresh packing list. 

If you need certain things with one particular trip, it is easy to add a note and then delete it when you are finished. 

You can also add images and drawings. Want to save a picture of your hotel information? Just upload it at the TAKE A NOTE section. Taking a road trip and have how you are packing your car planned out? Draw that out right in Google Keep or upload the image. 

In our Camping section, I have a map of our favorite campground uploaded and circled our favorite sites for quick reference.

It is so much easier to edit these notes than to have to start fresh because you forgot to add something, scribble things, redraw, reprint, and all the other things that come with paper lists. 

My kids love digital tools, so they get excited when I send them a note through Google Keep for them to start packing. It is also fostering independence and showing them organizational skills first hand. 

Camping With Teens & Tweens

My husband and I have camped together since we started dating. Because we both grew up camping, it was natural for us. We always knew we would have little ones following us around the campsite one day and we did. Now, we have big ones that get tired of it quickly because they don't know what to do with themselves. 

While my husband and I love primitive camping, we usually stay in a campground with the kids. We've only done an overnight primitive camp with the kids. We like to take them to the local campground (not far from home) for at least a week at the beginning of June. We also like to squeeze in any other trips we can. 

With the kids being 10 and 13 this year, they get bored and whine much easier and it becomes much less enjoyable for mom. Plus, screens are only allowed at bedtime and on rainy days when we are camping. The only exception to this is they are allowed to take pictures and listen to music with their phones. 

This year, I've decided to be proactive and find things ahead of time to keep them out of my hair when they decide to teen/ tween whine at me. Luckily, they both still like Legos, so that is still an option and I will make sure they take some along. 

1. Last year, they forgot Nerf guns and light sabers and I definitely heard about it. This year, it is already on the list. They had better not forget them. They can shoot each other to their hearts' content. They just don't know that dad has one too that is small enough to fit in his pocket. [tip: buy cheap bright colored foam darts so that it isn't a big deal if they get lost, but they are also much easier to find]

2. I found a really cool selfie scavenger hung from Crazy Outdoor Mama that I have printed already and they will get in their "surprise" bags. 

3. In the past, we've gotten them a new toy or stuffie for the longer camping trips. We're doing it differently this year. I made surprise bags with the next book in the series they are each reading, fun light sticks, a craft for each, a small activity book, and NERDS. (Always the NERDS)

4. I also included a beach blanket/ tarp and paracord in their surprise bags and their dad has fire starters for them to practice with. They will be learning some survival skills this year. 

5. Does your teen eat every waking moment, or is that just mine? This year I made them a snack bag for each day. This is more for me than them- I don't have to make sure they aren't going through all the snacks in the first 2 days. They have plenty for the day in their bag and it is up to them to make sure it lasts. This is on top of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't worry- they run it off. 

6. We read for 20 minutes every day and have 1 hour of quiet time every day. They can fish, read a book, or play independently. What they can't do is bug mom. I usually read a book in the tent or take a nap. They know Dad is right there for them. 

7. We like to take walks and see what interesting things we can find. Sometimes it is a crane hunting his food and sometimes it is a funny sign at another campsite. It's always a good time. 

8. They fish, bodyboard, ride scooters, and look forward to meeting new friends. 

It isn't hard to camp with teens and tweens, it just takes some prep in this digitally-driven age. It doesn't have to be expensive to find activities to keep them busy or cost anything at all. Everything can come from home. This is just what we do. It is also helping to teach them to prepare themselves- I include their input in packing and require them to pack their own backpacks (I just give them a list). 

Take those kids camping and have fun! 

Tween Summer Must-Haves + Mom's Suggestions

These are seriously the things my daughter loves for the summer or has been begging for. No affiliate links or sponsored links. 

I'm ready for summer and so is the beach bum of the family. We never stop learning, our learning venue does. We'll soon be camping for almost 2 weeks right on the lake (seriously the most beautiful lakefront campsite ever) and it cannot be soon enough. My summer girl is excited beyond belief. In honor of her excitement, love of the water, and all-around beach bumminess, I wanted to share these tween must-haves for the summer inspired by my 10-year-old Snapper. 

1. My kids have these walkie-talkies and even the 13-year-old loves them. They're small and lightweight. We love that they are bright and rechargeable. The extra color plates are wonderful as well. We have 2 pink and 2 green. Each kid has one at home and one in their travel bag. Fun everywhere. Find here

2. These are the most fun Nerf Darts. You can write a secret message and shoot it at your sibling. We've bought several of these packs just because they are so fun. They may be the "girl" line, but even the boy likes them. (Extra points for easy to find outside). Find here

3. We are definitely a Blistex family and keep it everywhere. I find it stashed all over the place. The medicated is my go-to but what tween girl doesn't love a fruit-flavored smoothie- especially one that is constantly dreaming of being in Hawaii. Find here 

4 Snapper is dying for a packable waist bag so that she's never without one and doesn't forget to pack it. This one from 4monster is a decent price and has fun colors. Find here

5. Snapper got a glitter ponytail trucker hat as her Easter basket and loves it. It's the first hat she'll willingly wear- even in the sunshine. This sequin one is fun too. Find here

6. This is the best travel pillow. Both kids have one and Snapper loves her unicorn one. It is super easy to blow up without a pump and even has a cushion so you aren't sleeping on and hearing the squeak of the plastic. We've tried many for them and these are the first that they actually like. Find here

7. Since I don't let her draw on herself with Sharpies (how rude of me) Snapper wants these temporary tattoo markers from Bic. Yes, I would let her use these. Find here

8. We love hair chalk in the summer and I was surprised at how easy it is to wash out of Snapper's curly hair. I love the colors included in this set. Find here

9. She saw this Mermaid highlights book (loves hidden pictures) and loved the bright colors. She doesn't know yet that I've included it in her camping surprise bag. Find here

10. Snapper isn't ready for a scooter upgrade yet (she still loves hers with the doll carrier) but she will be soon. We will get her this one because her brother has the camo version and it has lasted longer than any other scooter we've bought and we've bought a lot. It is sturdy enough for adults to use and the big wheels make it perfect for gravel and grass/ dirt. They always take scooters to the campground and this one is easy to travel with. It folds up nicely. Find here

I'm not going to add two things to the list.

1. Cooling blanket (snapper has this one)- the one the kids have is cooling on one side but it is like a regular thin blanket on the other side making it perfect for camping and travel. It is lightweight and we even have a couple for the dogs. 

2. Junk Journal/ Smash book. Snapper has just started her journey with these because she loves to keep moments and I was tired of them ending up everywhere, so we came to an agreement. It has to fit between the pages of a journal. She has this zip-around cover that we've added pockets and paper to. The zipper allows her to put things inside to keep up with until she makes a page and also allows her to keep her supplies inside. A mini thermal sticker printer (like this one) is a fun addition.

What is your tween into? What adventures are they looking forward to?

Kids and Their Dreams

Growing up, my mom always told me: "If your dreams don't scare you, you aren't dreaming big enough." I really believe that. From a very young age and even though my dreams and goals changed, we would discuss how to accomplish them and what I could do then to work towards those dreams. She would sign me up for certain classes at the camp I went to, find classes at school that would help me, and even go to workshops together that were related to my dreams. 

I try to do the same with my own kids. 

Both of my kids have huge dreams. Snapper is 10 and dreams of being a marine biologist who not only educates people on misunderstood animals like pangolins and invents things to help animals. 

Tbomb is 13 and he dreams of being a paleontologist and adventurer. He wants to travel the world hiking and camping while looking for dinosaur bones and bigfoot. He wants to develop games in his travel time. 

These dreams may seem big, but that's a good thing. Why can't they both accomplish those things? 

I realized that Tbomb only has 5 more summers before he is an adult. He could be hiking the Appalachian trail in just 5 years. That is not that far off. 

I decided that since he will be starting 8th grade this year, we will also be working towards goals. He'll start learning different survival and hiking skills. He's already asked for a Hammock and trekking poles for his birthday in September. He's excited because he can actually try out gear on our property. He can hike all over the place and try things out. 

At the same time, he will be learning first aid, firemaking, shelter building, and whatever else he shows an interest in. This summer, he will be focusing on navigation because he received a nice compass for his watch in his easter basket. 

I'll be happy to share the journey here and hope you follow along. 

10 Tips for Outdoor Events with Kids

This past weekend, we took the kids and my mom to Tiger Drive-In, in Tiger, Georgia. We saw Kong x Godzilla. Let me tell you- it was AH-MAH-ZING. The first of the movies I have actually sat through. Now, I want to see the others. It was my mom's 60th birthday and it was a wonderful celebration. 

We had the best time and the experience was just as wonderful as the movie. I had never been to a drive-in before and neither had the kids. This is something we will always remember. Of course, I took lots of pictures. 

I wanted to share some tips for attending outdoor events with kids, as we've done a lot over the years and these should help with most ages and help mom keep her sanity. 

10 Tips for Outdoor Events with Kids

1. Make sure you will have the opportunity to let the kids run off some energy. I was so excited that there was a playground at the drive-in. After being in the car that long, I knew the kids could not sit through a movie. 

2. Eat before hand. Its always easier to get my kids to eat when there are no distractions.

3. Bring plenty of snacks- because, kids. 

4. Don't forget extra water. I made this mistake and ended up giving them my water. 

5. Each kid had their travel backpack (we use them for everything) with a hoodie, blanket, and tablet (in case the movie was scary for Snapper). I'm so glad I thought to bring blankets on an 80-degree day. It gets chilly in the mountains at night. Best travel blanket ever: cooling blanket (these have fleece on the opposite side for warmth). Snapper has the unicorn and Tbomb has the gaming pattern.

6. Bring a waterproof picnic for stretching out on. Even if chairs are provided at the event, kids like to stretch out, especially as they get sleepy. Here's the one we have. It is plenty big enough, takes up very little room, and even comes with stakes. 

7. Hype them up. Pretty simple, but I love seeing kids get excited- even though the 13-year-old tries to hide it. 

8. Bring your mom bag- lots of snacks, bandaids, wet wipes, extra water, and whatever else. I know people are psyching over the rubber bags now, but I love my neoprene tote. It is huge, durable, and washable and I can squeeze it away when I'm not using it. Here it is. I have the beige flower, but should have gotten a darker one. 

9. Make sure they are settled for the ride. If they are settled, comfortable, and content for the ride, there is less stress and angst when you finally arrive at your destination. 

10. Have fun. Put all expectations away and enjoy your kids. This is the biggest one!! Enjoy them!!

10 Tips For Packing Light (With Kids)

We don't take long trips unless we are camping. We prefer one or two nights away at a time. We can take more trips and we aren't away from the animals very long. With kids, even one night away can mean a lot of packing. I used to be a big over packer, but over the years, I've really toned this down. I'm going to share some things I have learned over the years. 

By the way, I know that with an infant, and even toddler, the packing is hard, but maybe these tips can help a little. 

1. Decide on an amount of luggage and stick with it. For example, we have one bag per person. If we stay one night, the kids have to put their clothes in their backpacks. More than that, we will have a bag just for clothing and toiletries. 

This one bag will include clothing, personal items (makeup/ toiletries) and entertainment. One night doesn't require a lot, but two nights with kids might require a little more entertainment. 

2. Be careful with "just in case items." These items make it easy to over pack. Depending on your child, an extra outfit might be a must, but just one, not one per day. 

The last time we traveled, I didn't take an extra outfit. My daughter has stomach issues and did need one. What did I do? she wore her pajamas home. Was it the end of the world? No. From now on, their pajamas will be loungewear when traveling. Solves that problem!

Keep in mind- if you don't use it at home, you probably won't need it away from home. 

3. What do you keep in your car? Emergency items, first aid kit, extra blanket? Do you really need to add those to your packing list? You have those items already, so you don't need more. 

4. Think about the ammenities the hotel offers. Do you need to take soap, shampoo (we do because our hair requires it), hair dryer, iron, etc? Leave those items at home. 

5. Consider simpler and easier styles while traveling. Wear your hair in a ponytail the next day. Wear the same jewelry, shoes, hoodie, etc multiple times. Take only your daily makeup. 

There is a lot of things we include in our packing list that we don't actually use, which brings me to number 6.  

6. Keep a general packing list that can be edited for the length of the trip. Mine is in a pocket so I can use a dry erase marker, but still edit it as needed. 

The key to this list is to continually edit it. Also, by keeping it small, I have limited space tolist things, which keeps the items we pack in check. This is my list for the whole family. I just write in the number of each clothing item we need based on how many days we will be gone.

Behind that, I have things to by that go in the family bag like lysol, coffee, snacks, etc. 

After each trip, as part of my unpacking routine, I go over this list and mark things off that we did not need because the kids are growing and do not need as much. I also add things that I wish we had. 

This list is my biggest tool for keeping us packing light. 

7. We never take full size toiletries unless we are going for a week or longer. I always keep travel size everything on hand in the kids pouches (also great for sleepovers, emergency trips, and even when Tbomb was in the hospital.)

These pouches have travel brushes, toothbrushes, shampoo/body wash, deoderant, toothpaste, a container for a night's medicine, floss, hair ties, Snapper's leave in conditioner, and other things that each kid needs at night (muscle cream for Snapper and essential oil for Tbomb). It's time to add some body spray for each. 

I have actually bought sample/ travel size items just because the container was the perfect size and I could refill them- like the spray bottle the leave in is in. 

However, most of the time, we share basic toiletries, so there is no need for the kids to have anything but their personal items. 

8. Be careful of the toys, they sure do take up a lot of time. Each of my kids get one lovey, the art stuff that stays in the backpacks, small toy like legos, and electronics. That's it. They usually get something to play with while we are exploring anyway. 

9. If there are things you just cannot be without, check into travel size and apps to solve that problem. Curling iron? Amazon has great travel options. Do your kids sleep with a noise machine? There are a ton of apps available, even free.

I purchased a travel power strip that has usb ports because there are never plugins where I need one and it has been so very handy. 

When we travel, I even use a Kindle Bible instead of taking mine and do not let the kids take books. They are heavy and they have kindles, so I update them before we travel. 

10. Don't stress about forgetting something. Almost everything can be bought. Just enjoy your family. 

Organizing Kids' Backpacks For Travel

I have written a lot about how much I love the kids backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids (not a freebie, I just love them that much!). I've written about how I clean them and organize them for a day out. They take them everywhere. They go to doctors' appointments, to the park, camping, bigfoot hunting, hiking, the river, on vacation- everywhere! Well, now I want to share how I get them ready for travel. If they stay organized, it is pretty simple.

It starts with a nice clean and organized backpack. Both kids have tablet cases (with headphones, headphone splitters, otg adapters, battery packs, and charge cables that are color-coded), an activity pack with post-its and art supplies, headlamp, and a notebook, sunglasses (oh, and hand sanitizer). Tbomb has a car-sick kit and Snapper has the bag she always wears with her mask, gloves, and hand sanitizer a clear bag with a change of clothes, and some other medical items that she needs. 

Next up, mom consults THE LIST. I keep a travel list in my planner so that I am sure to get the necessities! 

I make sure that everything that is supposed to stay in their backpacks is there and then I add in the things they need for travel. Here is what I add- it isn't much. 

1. The hooded towels above came from Wal-Mart and are perfect travel blankets. They always travel with sleeping bags, but these towels are great for the car, after the pool, or just cool evenings. Winner without lugging a full-size throw. They also use them at home a lot. 

2. Tbomb gets a bowl with legos and Snapper gets to pack a doll backpack to put inside hers. She also carries her doll's sleeping bag. 

3. I usually throw in a deck of cards or a simple game. 

4. A baseball cap 

5. Tbomb usually gets to bring along his backyard adventure field tools because he is a budding paleontologist and you never know when you might find dinosaur bones! 

We are going to try something different this summer. I was much more responsible when I was their age. When I was Tbomb's age, I went to summer camp, but I don't think he could handle the responsibility that comes with that. So, we are working on it. If we are going for one night, they will be responsible for their own belongings. I got the clear pocket-a-tote from Thirty-One for each of them and their clothing, and hopefully, toiletries will go in that- inside their backpacks. 

My goal is that they will be able to handle all of this on their own. I'm just doing it with snapper because I am with Tbomb. She is not ready to be without a trusted adult at all. So, I carry her inhaler for her and if she is with grandparents, they have the inhaler and any other medications she will need. 

I actually use this hot pink pouch for her inhaler and mask- it is easy to find in my purse and if she is with someone else, they can spot it easily as well. 

I did find something cool last summer that I wanted to share. I found these pill containers while Tbomb was being treated for ITP. They spent the night with their great-grandparents so we could go on a date night to a concert and stay overnight. I put their meds in these containers and labelled them with AM, PM, and their name. It worked well. I wrote inside a reminder for their nasal spray. Their great-grandmother said it worked really well. These containers are about $1 for two and definitely worth it. I actually keep one in my purse with emergency stomach meds for Snapper. 

I'm not sure how any of this will work out, but I'm giving it the effort and this is the plan. If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them- just comment below!

Organize Backpacks for Travel

It is no secret that I am kind of obessed with my kids' backpacks. A couple years back, I invested in a Pottery Barn Kids backpack for each kid. I had fallen in love with the doll carrier one for Koda and then found the Spider-Man one for Tbomb (it even glows in the dark). The doll carrier one is no longer available, but the MacKenzie backpack will carry a doll as well!

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Peter Parker is packed up and ready to go home! Yay! #itpwarrior #itpawareness #tbombismysuperhero

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Apr 11, 2019 at 10:05am PDT

While I spent a little more than I had on their backpacks in the past, I have not regretted this decision. You get what you pay for and there is no wear on these backpacks. They will be using them for years because they are such good quality. Also, because I bought more "classic" designs, they will grow with them. About 6 months after, I upgraded their water bottles to the MacKenzie bottle and could not be happier. I love the entire Mackenzie line! Mackenzie toiletry bags, allergy tags, and hooded ponchos are next on my list for the kids.

One of the things I love so much about the backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids (note: this is not a sponsored post. I bought them and love them. We've used them a while and I wanted to share) is the organizing possibilities and that because of the way they are set up, the kids can keep them maintained themselves. I only redo them and resupply every few months.

Seriously, I love these bags and they have been worth the investment, as have the water bottles- the kids use them every single day to make sure they get enough water.

Now, enough fan-girling. On to the organizing!

Start with cleaning the bags out, washing them, and hanging them in the sun for a day. (This post)

1. Divide items into pouches. This might not work for all kids, but mine have to have "containers." The pouch the coloring items are in was from a Hatchimals Easter gift and it works perfectly.

The tablet cases are from the Innotab days and still work for the Kindle Fires, even with the updated standing cases. The little pockets are perfect for cables and other accessories as well. Their battery packs even fit in the bottom. I like that they have a little more protection inside the backpacks as well.

2. If your child has medical needs, take care of those. Koda has to have pull-ups, wipes, and a change of clothes, so I have those in a clear bag. The clear bag makes sure that grandparents or whoever she is with can find them. I would much rather just use a pretty wet/ dry bag, but that is what I'm using now.

She also has an inhaler. For now, it stays in my purse, but eventually, it will go into her backpack and have to have a case of its own with the mask. Make sure the pocket things like this are in have a label letting people know where it is.

Tbomb has to have a medical card, which I put in the bag label pocket on the inside. Also, both kids have masks to prevent illness, (even before COVID-19) so those are handy for them.

3. If the bag is for adventures, be sure that there is a toy and an activity book. If it is for school, be sure those items are removed.

4. That is basically it. Make sure to designate a place for snacks and drinks, so the kids can always find them. Pretty simple!!!

Time to Clean Those Backpacks!

So we are all stuck at home. Are you running out of things to do? I'm not but some people are bored. Over the weekend, I gave a much-needed cleaning to my kids' backpacks. Because they are homeschooled and do not use them every day, I've never cleaned them before and they've had them a couple years.

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The kids love their new backpacks and I love that they are organized. #lovemypbk

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Aug 13, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

I had decided to clean them out and restock and noticed a stench. Yes, a scrunch your face up stench. I don't know where it came from, but it had to go! Even if there isn't a stench, why not clean them up and sanitize them now, while they aren't being used.

We had some rainy days, so I had to wait for the sun to come out and then I got busy. It is really simple to clean them, it just isn't something I think of doing often.

To start with, make sure everything is out of every pocket, leave all pockets unzipped, and turn the backpack inside out.

Then, run you some lukewarm water in the bathtub (I chose not to use the washer because they weren't really dirty and I didn't want them to lose shape, but you can use it on gentle). In that water, use laundry detergent and Odoban (Or, you can use vinegar- it neutralizes smells).

Put the backpack in the tub and let them soak a few minutes and then just hand wash them.

Then, change them outside in the sun to dry for a day- the sun is great at sanitizing too!

So simple and it made one happy girl!

Organized & Ready Travel

Are you as ready as I am to get out of the house? My kids have not left the house in almost 4 months since even before schools closed. They have immune issues, so we have taken all the measures we can. Although we homeschool and I work at home, things are still so strange.

We had to miss 2 major events we had been looking forward to- Jurassic World Live and a Home Free Concert with UVIP tickets. There are other events we had wanted to attend but hadn't gotten around to buying the tickets yet. We've missed treks to the park and the Stumphouse tunnel. We are even going to have to reschedule our yearly trip to the mountains during the first week of June. But you know what? My family is safe, happy, and healthy- that's what counts. Instead of getting down about it, I've been working on making sure we are organized and ready for some trips, even some last-minute ones.

I am a planner and in the past have needed a week to prep for a weekend trip. Well, I've taken steps so that if we decide one night that we will drive to the mountains the next morning for the weekend, I can roll with it. I'm sharing these steps with you!

1. The first thing I learned is to not stress. If I forget something, it's ok. I can run to the store and grab it - even if that is children's Tylenol or diapers. I can get it. It's not the end of the world!

2. Make a list and organize that list. Make a list of everything you need to pack and divide that into which bag it goes into. (kids' backpacks, your tote, or suitcase). Go ahead and include things that usually stay in your kids' backpacks (their adventure backpack) so you can make sure it is still there. Include things you need to pick up from the store like snacks and drinks. Make a list of things you need to do the night before and the morning of. Having lists will make things go more smoothly, help you not forget things, and give you a sense of calm. 

My list is small pages that are tabbed. I have packing, to buy, the night before, the morning of, kids sleepovers, and hospital or emergency (I had to make this list to make me feel better after Tbomb's stay in the hospital.) I have placed the lists in my Happy Planner pocket. I can put whichever tabs I need facing the front and the back and use my wet erase if I choose to. (If I have more time to plan, I do space packing out and have the kids help me- last minute is quick and without kids)

I never could find printables that I liked and that were the right size, so I just drew my own. 

3. Prepare for your next adventure when you return home. If I need to pick up any travel size items or anything else for travel, that I realize on a trip, I will add it to my shopping list when I get home. I pick it up next time I'm at the store and we are ready to go. The only thing we will need to pick up (usually on the way out of town) is some snacks and drinks! I actually use a small utility tote from Thirty-One gifts to put our snacks and drinks in, so that we are not carrying grocery bags- it just makes carrying our stuff in easier. 

4. Make a rule - one trip from the car to the hotel room. This will cut down on items and luggage- especially with just a few days. The kids are responsible for their backpacks and sleeping bags. 

5. I keep a toiletry case packed with our travel-sized toiletries. I keep it all on hand- even spare toothbrushes and hairbrushes and ties. I have travel size of everything that we use. It just makes things easier to not need to pack all of that too. I then just have to throw in my flat iron and we are good to go! 

6. The kids' backpacks are a lifesaver for me. They are ready to go on an adventure always! Their tablet cases have battery packs, charging cables, and headphones- they just slip their tablets in. All they need is their snacks, water bottle, Koda's doll, and they are good to go. I do have a section of things on my packing list of things to add to their backpacks or check to make sure they are there- I don't want a trip with tablets and no headphones! (I will post about their backpacks another time).

7. Pack the whole family's clothes and toiletries in one bag. It makes sharing supplies, packing, unpacking and situating in a hotel room easier. For me, its just the best way to do it. 

8. We all have a "travel bag," the kids have their backpacks, my husband has one for electronics like his switch and tablet as well as chargers, and I have my MOM BAG. 

I usually carry a pretty big purse that is more like a tote (the leopard stripe one at the top) and I just add in the things on my list to it. If I'm not carrying a big purse, I just use a tote for this and add in things out of my purse. I also carry a small crossbody when we are traveling (this is a clear one when we have concerts and events). Then, I don't have to carry my huge purse as we are walking around. 

I always have chargers, my electronics, medications, and carsick fixes in my bag, along with important things like their medical information. 

9. The kids have their cute sleeping bags (mermaid and rocket ship) that they carry along on trips. In the car, they go under their feet with their backpacks. Then, they carry it into the hotel. They like having comforts from home, or they can't sleep, so this solves that problem, along with a lovey! (Koda's doll and usually an action figure for him). 

10.  Have a standing shopping list. We always get the same sandwich and snack items for every trip. I have that list when I run in to get things and we are good to go. Some snacks we only get for travel and it gets the kids excited when they see them. I also always grab pretzels and gingerale for my carsick baby! 

11. Take you time now and get organized. We're all stuck at home anyway. Get organized now for your next big adventure. I have and I'm so glad that I have. 

Why To Color-Coordinate Your Kids' Gear

Whether your kids are homeschooled, public schooled, private schooled, college age, athletes, adventurers, travelers, or gamers, they have gear. I think part of the definition of kids should be "little creature that requires gear." My kids take their backpacks everywhere. That is just part of it- even going for a quick doctor visit, to the store, or to visit family, the backpacks come along. Sometimes they aren't even opened, but they come along.

Since Snapper was born, I have been color-coordinating her and Tbomb's gear, especially those items we take along on adventures. Yes, I'm also a labeller. It has always been something I do to make my life easier. I know who's is who's without having to ask them. Also, they cannot argue over who something belongs to because there is no question.

I didn't realize just how much coordinating their items helps until Snapper started school this past spring. With her going back next month, I'm upping my coordinating game! (Thanks to Stephen Joseph Gifts and their awesome things!)

1. I realized when Snapper started school that it is much easier for her to keep up with her own items when she knows the color or design it is supposed to be. If we always stick with that, she knows which lunchbox is hers, which pencil box is hers, and which jacket is hers. 

2. For a child with special needs, giving them even the smallest amount of independence gives them a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I noticed that with Snapper. She was so proud of herself each day because she didn't need help finding her items. It also helped that her teacher uses a color/shape model for all the kids' items. 

3. When you let your child choose their "theme" or color, it is something they like, so they will keep up with it. Snapper loves bright colors so rainbows are perfect for her. Tbomb's items are always spiderman or camo. They like it, so they are determined to not lose it. 

4. Tip: Choose a common color and stick with it for solid color items. Tbomb is green/ blue and Snapper is pink/ purple. Everything I buy for them is these colors- earbuds, tablet supplies, pencil pouches, all of it. 

5. When teachers and other family members get used to your child's "theme" they will automatically know who the items belong to. Grandparents do not have to call me and ask if it is Snapper's clipboard or Tbomb's earbuds they found on the couch. The grandparents already know who it belongs to (plus, I label "The Georges")

6. Make it across the board with school supplies, adventure gear, sporting supplies, travel, and everything else. Believe me- life will be easier. 

7. When traveling, they know which toiletries, duffel, sleeping bag, and whatever else is theirs without hassle. 

8. Tip: Explain it to the kids, get them in on the process of choosing colors and "themes", and let them have some control. This will go a long way. 

9. Deciding which design to get the kids when I'm picking things up or ordering things are much easier. I decide which goes with their "theme" or color. Plus, we don't have the standing in the store 20 minutes while they choose- which drives me MAD. 

10. All in all, what we are doing is teaching our kids independence and responsibility while making it fun (and pretty). What can be better than that? 

Do you color-coordinate your kids? Do you have any tips?

Inside Tbomb and Snapper's Backpacks

I am always being asked about the kids' backpacks. While they are homeschooled, keeping their backpacks together and ready to go is one of my biggest aids and something I recommend to other families. If your kids do "go to school," having a separate backpack for car trips or running errands won't hurt and may just save your sanity.

We have tried several different backpacks but always go back to the Lil' Go by Thirty-One gifts. It is a perfect size and has simple features, which is definitely a winner!

When we go anywhere, we take the backpacks. Everything they need is inside. All I have to do is toss in a folder with worksheets for a school day and we are good today. They even have a desk inside!

All Together:

They both have: 

1. Desk
2. Sunglasses
3. MP3 player and earbuds
4. Mini first aid kit
5. Crackers

Snapper also has her doll carrier and a hair brush. 

The Desks: 

They both have: 

1. Dry erase notepad (these case as part of a stationery set)
2. Small alphabet workbook
3. Spiral Notebook (these came as part of a stationary set, and are a little smaller than most)
4. Dry erase flash cards
5. Small coloring book
6. Pouch with: Stencils, dry erase pencil, pencil, dry erase eraser, multi-color pen, triangle crayons so they do not roll, and a color-wonder marker
7. A few color-wonder drawing sheets

Everything fits nicely inside the desk and it is easy to put away for them. The desk is actually one of the plastic cases that Crayola sets come in (the blue is from the color wonder kit and the pink is from the glitter kit). 

The Outside & How it WORKS

On the outside, they both have a keychain they picked out with an "if lost label" that has my google voice number on it. 

There is a small carabiner with a sock mate on it. This may seem strange, but it is perfect for keeping up with a jacket that has been taken off, a stuffed animal, or other soft items that they may carry around. Tbomb has even hung spiderman from it. 

On the top of the backpack, attached to the handle is a large carabiner. This is one of the handiest things I have discovered. With this carabiner, I can hang their backpacks anywhere. I first started doing this to hang them on the stroller when Snapper was still using one. Then, I found that I could hang their backpacks on the back of the car seat (on that handle) and they can reach what they want without having their bags in their laps or fighting over extra seat space! 

When it is time to go, we grab backpacks, throw in the water bottle, sometimes grab an extra snack or lunch, scoop up Snapper's doll and Tbomb's action figure and we are out the door. They are keeping up with their own stuff and I'm not wondering if I have forgotten something. Everything is there and ready to go. 

For a longer day (full of appointments or a long drive) or vacations, it is really simple. We just throw in tablets, possibly a few extra toys, and we are set to go.