Packing

In a couple hours the girls and I will begin a road trip to Colorado.  When I started planning this trip, I thought it would be a great idea to drive.  Airfare was a major factor.  And, I'm so tired of having to transfer flights.  Our connecting flight is always on the opposite end of the airport.  I run at top speed, dragging the kids and multiple carry-on bags, ignoring all requests for the bathroom and snacks.  We arrive, panting, just in time for the final boarding call.  So, we're driving because I will have MORE CONTROL over the trip.  The schedule will be ALL MINE.  And, I WILL NOT be paying $20 per checked bag.  Plus, this would be a good chance for the girls to learn a little bit about the geography of  the U.S.

I began planning a menu for our rest-stop picnic lunches:  vegetables and tzatziki sauce; cold salmon; melon balls; pita bread and hummus; and coconut water.  I was feeling very much in control of this trip. 

I did five loads of laundry and told the girls that they could only wear clothing that wasn't going on the trip.  I handed out lists of chores that had to be done before we left.  I was so in control!!

We began organizing the things we need to take in the living room.  There's a pile of books; a pile of violin music; a pile of food to be consumed in the car; a pile of food to be consumed at Oma's house; a pile of gifts; a pile of games; a pile of drawing supplies; and a pile of pool items. The girls spent half a day assembling the required dolls and doll clothing.  I spent half a day assembling my required yarn and knitting supplies.  The girls vacuumed the car, including the trunk; washed the car's windows; and stockpiled trash bags in the back seat.  Everything was going like clockwork.

Next, we had to determine what suitcases and tote bags to use.  We decided that all of our reading materials could share a bag.  Each girl gets one backpack to fill with things to do in the car.  My yarn gets one bag.  Next, we will need a cooler, a bag for snacks, and, of course, a bag of dolls.  Then, I was informed that because the dolls need to travel comfortably, they will need two bags.   My head began filling with visions of crayons melting on the floor of the car.  I suddenly remembered an article from some parenting magazine about people being killed by heavy objects that become airborne when the driver has to break hard.  I gently explained this to the girls, hoping to convince them to downsize a little.  They assured me not to worry - dolls are soft.  If I were paying $20 per bag, the load would be a lot lighter!

The girls spread out all their clothing, and began trying out suitcases.  When they proclaimed all suitcases to be too small, I called on Les for help.  Yeah, I had to give up a little of that control.  The girls are now sharing a large duffel bag.  There just might be room for my suitcase after all!  Then my wonderful husband suggested that we pack an additional tote bag with just the things we will need when we stop for the night.   Hmmm, let me see. . .one bag crammed with  pajamas, clean clothes, cosmetics, swimsuits, goggles, a few pool toys, books. .. No, I grabbed back that control.  One more bag is not going to happen.

 Happily, the geography part seems to be working.  Today I overheard Cassie quizzing Lacey:

Cassie:     Lacey, what continent will we be traveling to this summer?

 Me:         Isn't that kind of a trick question?

Cassie:     Okay.  What continent will we be traveling ON this summer?

Lacey:      I don't know.

Cassie:     What are the seven continents?

Lacey:      Umm. . . North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Antarctica. . .

Cassie:   Yeah, yeah.  Europe and Australia are kind of hard.  So, what continent will we be on?

Lacey:      North America.

Cassie:     Okay.  Now, what states are we traveling to?

Lacey:     "Cantstamp" and Colorado?

Cassie:      That would be Kansas and Colorado! 

Stay tuned for our updates from the road!