Packing le van Part II

Having all the necessities in this little compartment in the way back is perfect- wipes, bug spray, sunscreen, laundry detergent, dirty clothes bag, and dishwashing detergent. 

I love games that clip on to places...we have a few more that they'll earn as prizes this summer. 

Honestly, I'm not even sure what I'll use this for, but it was something we accumulated and it's better than throwing it away...maybe it will be awarded daily to whoever keeps their side of the car cleanest. 

One of those Pinterest ideas that isn't totally horrible or impossible to pull off. Picked these up at the dollar store. Each kid has one to store all their food (lunches) when we're on the go. 

PB&J because it's cheaper and healthier than fast food. 

Stacking recycle containers from IKEA make for the perfect snack bins. They open right behind the kids so I don't have to dole out snacks all day. 

The [mini] van. Packing. Part I.

What I have so (not) creatively termed "car bucks." The kids earn 10 stars collectively (on the play paper dollar) and they earn a prize. Car bucks points are earned by being kind to one another, polite, patient, respectful, helpful, etc. This is by far the single most important thing I did on last year's trip. I'm hoping for the same magic this year. 

Keeping everything in an organized "station" right next to the driver seat. "Mom, do you have a magnifying glass?" "Why yes, I do." 

Drawers. Each kids has one. Inside are 7-10 outfits individually sealed in a ziplock baggie. This way, each night only requires an overnight bag instead of a huge suitcase to lug in and out at each stop. 

My "Are we there yet" bus. This guy will move across the cord from start to finish during each day's drive regardless of if we're traveling three hours or eight. Helps to prevent SOME of the questions.  

Packing!

We're getting ready! Three days. So much to do. But! The kids are packed! T even helped get all the air out of the ziplock baggies. Ready (or not). 

Travel Prep

In a month, I will traverse the country to the west with my eight and five year old.  We will take the trusty minivan who led us east last summer for five weeks.  We will explore. We will argue.  We will laugh.  We will cry.

I want a way to document our adventures and so I have returned to thy trusty blogger for our documentation.

I will attempt to be Pinterest Mom in my prep.  I will have binders and systems and prizes and snack trays...and then it will all fall apart on day three.

BEFORE 

AFTER