It's Vacation Time, So Pack a Bag!

     Chances are, your children are already out of school for the summer or will be out in just a couple more days.  Although you may have planned to do lots of FREE activities this summer (see list HERE), the price will go up drastically if you include a trip to a convenience store or fast food restaurant with each outing!  Of course your children will all be "thirsty" or "starving" within in two hours (if not two minutes) of heading out the front door, so why not take a little time to prepare for these hunger attacks.

     First, you'll need an empty bag.  Duffel, re-usable grocery, paper or even plastic will do.  Just be sure it's something you won't miss for the next ten weeks.  Head to your pantry and grab the following:

1. Hearty snacks like nuts, trail mix (w/out chocolate chips), dried fruit, pretzels, sandwich crackers and snack mix are all good options.  No need to have everything, just two or three items your kids will eat are enough.
2. A couple of clothes pins and/or zipper-type bags to ensure opened snacks remain fresh.
3. Empty cups, which are perfect for holding snacks in the car.
4. Paper towels to clean up spills or hold snacks.  (Think about those neat little bundles of cookies wrapped in paper napkins you may have received as a snack during Vacation Bible School.)
5. Wipes and/or hand sanitizer. 
6. A picnic blanket.  This could be anything from an old sheet or comforter to a new blanket.  (Almost a decade ago we bought two re-usable "Neat Sheets" and have used them every summer since.  They finally need to be replaced and seem to be no longer available, so we purchased "Picnic Blankets" at Five Below made of the same water-proof material.)

     Place all items in your bag, then head out to the van.  Stow the bag in the luggage area.  Now you're ready to roll!  Each time you head out the door this summer, instruct everyone to, "Grab a water bottle."  Don't forget to grab one for yourself and anyone to young to fill his/her own.  For long outings, it may be helpful to take extras.

    Throughout the summer you'll maintain your snack bag by mentally noting when snacks have been eaten.  As soon as you arrive home, grab additional items and place them beside your purse or diaper bag.  You'll be sure to remember to take them out to your vehicle the next time you head out the door.  NOTE:  If you've ever purchased a snack only to have your children open it and decide they "no longer like.....", put the item in your vehicles snack bag.  It's amazing how many things my family will eat when it's the "only" snack available!  Bring the picnic blanket in to be washed only when needed.  Add cups, wipes, paper towels, etc. as these run out.

   If you have young (and/or messy) little ones, save yourself some time and money this summer by packing a second bag.  In a large zipper-type bag, place an outfit, including socks and undergarments for one child.  Pack a gallon-sized bag for each additional child.  Throw these into a duffel or backpack and add a few extra diapers and wipes.  Include sunscreen, if you are not concerned about this getting too hot.  Replace items as needed.  Over the course of the summer, you'll probably use everything in the bag!     

  Now you are ready to enjoy some truely FREE activities!