Monday, March 28, 2011

Preparing for a First Time Cruise

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Slim·Fast.

 

My sweet husband was rewarded for his hard work at the office by winning an all-expenses paid cruise! 02 february 2011 101

 

We were head-over-heels excited because we live very stressful and busy lives. We are the proud parents of 3.5 year old QUADRUPLETS!!!! So, an all-inclusive vacation on a cruise line to the sunny beaches of Mexico was a dream. (Not to mention that the current weather conditions for our neck-o-the-woods was ice/sleet/snow and temperatures in the teens!)

02 february 2011 018-1

 

Leaving for a 5 day cruise (Saturday to Thursday) takes a ton of planning- especially when you are leaving 4 small children behind. So I immediately began to formulate my countdown-to-cruise to-do lists.

 

#1- CHILDCARE: A total of 10+ family and friends volunteered to help with the quads while we were away. My sister-in-law, Ashley, was a life-saver. She agreed to keep all 4 of my super active kids and her 2 year old bundle of energy---all while being 20 weeks pregnant! That’s a LOT of work, folks! 01 January 2011 001-3

 

#2- FOOD for the KIDS and CARETAKERS: I want to make it as easy as possible for people when they come over to help with the kids, so I like to have home cooked meals ready to pop in the oven. A couple of days before we left, I spent several hours in the kitchen preparing: 2 chicken pot pies, 2 poppyseed chicken casseroles, 2 cheesy noodle goulash casseroles, 1 meatloaf, and a partridge in a pear tree. I also made 8 lunches for the kids to take to school- all packed and ready to go. I had printed out a list of available food/snacks and sample menu ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner- and where these items were located.

 

#3- CLOTHES for the KIDS: I picked out 8 sets of clothing, socks, shoes, underwear, jackets for the kids to wear to school and set them out neatly with labels: “Monday School Clothes”, etc.

 

#4- EMERGENCY LISTS: I updated all of our emergency contact information, our day-to-day cruise itinerary, important phone numbers, medical release forms, etc. and placed them all in a binder for easy access.

 

#5- WHAT TO PACK: swimsuits, beach attire, flip flops, etc.

02 february 2011 084

 

#6- DRUGSTORE ITEMS: Motion sickness medications, Sea-bands, Airborne, First Aid items, Sunscreen, Lotion, etc.

02 february 2011 009

 

#7- HIT THAT GYM & EAT HEALTHY: Keep in mind, we were just coming off of the holidays. I always gain my “extra padding” in the winter…you know, to keep warm. (tsk, tsk) The thought of crawling into a swimsuit, in the middle of winter, with a boat full of Joe’s coworkers was terrifying. So I was extra-diligent in my efforts to work out and eat right.

 

It seems that all of my planning and list-making paid off. We left for our cruise and had a wonderful week of relaxation and fun in the sun.

02 february 2011 178

Oh- and Ashley & the kids were still alive by the time we returned, which is always a plus.

Winking smile

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196 comments:

Lindsay said...

I'm all about LISTS when it comes to taking trips, big or small!!

Hamilton Family said...

LISTS! With kids and a husband, it's the only cure for insanity.

Teresa said...

I have a running list on my computer that I update for whatever type of trip we are going on.

Elizabeth Mae said...

I have a list of what we are doing each day then the outfits we are wearing. Then I pack certain things ahead of time.

kylee said...

Make lists, lots of them.

Sometimes, I have a list, listing my lists.

ASHENFELTERS said...

I always pack a bag for each of the kids on our road trips. Each get their own, crayon box, color book, activity book, reading book, stickers,pencils, a few small toys, notebooks, and a card game.It al goes into a bag with their name on it and gets put beside their seat. My van is an ABSOLUTE mess when we get where we are going, what with spilled crayons, wadded up paper, sticklers EVERYWHERE, BUT, it keeps them busy and not fighting!:)
ashenfelters@hotmail.com

Elizabeth said...

I am all about the lists! I have a ton of them. If the girls are going that just means more lists!

Adam and Julia said...

I prepare ahead of time and use lots of lists. I have no idea how I will do it with the twins though. We may never go anywhere again!!

Angela said...

I keep a list running and the minute I think of something, on the list it goes! That way when I pack, I can check it off to make sure that I have it!
I also tell myself that If I forget something, we can always purchase it or do without till we get home!

Kellene said...

I also have a running list on the computer in Excel and I have check boxes beside each item so that I can print a fresh vesrion for each trip. Then as I pack, I check items off and can have a fresh list for the next trip. Plus my daughter is only 9 months old, so the list has changed a few times... luckily we don't need her baby reflux medicine anymore, but now we need finger food, etc. Also, Suz, you piqued my interest in the poppyseed chicken and cheesy noodle casseroles. If you ever want to post the recipes, I'll be all ears! :) kelleneappel@yahoo.com

Happy Campers said...

Must have my lists!!!

Anonymous said...

must have lists and check them off. Also never wait till the last minute. I also make another check list as to what is packed.
J Morris

Meredith said...

I'm a list maker...a master list, a list for each person, a 'travel' list for the plane or car, a bathroom list, and a list for what is in each bag.

My husband may think I'm crazy but I never forget to bring anything... except on our honeymoon I forgot a brush, which is why I have a seperate bathroom list now!

Katie said...

Like many others I make lists. Though I have to confess, that I often wait until the last minute to actually pack, shop etc. I also do a LOT of research online. As in restaurant reviews, figuring out which activities I'd like to try, what side of the plane to book my seat on (it matters sometimes okay!) etc. So jealous of your trip!

Vicki said...

For my 4 children I put each days clothing underwear, socks and all into gallon zip lock bags. This makes each day simple and keeps the suitcases less messy. Always pack a "bathroom bag" it is the last one to be filled and a great place for last minute throw ins.

Stephanie said...

I make lots of lists and focus on packing one person at a time.

Lisa said...

Ofcourse, LISTS =) seems to be the going theme here!

Anonymous said...

Make a list. Check it twice. And then realize that you can buy what you forget most places you go.

mmga_kc at yahoo dot com

Jen said...

I also makes lists, lots and lots od lists!

jenn_levin at hotmail dot com

The Abramowski Family said...

I have to make lists - I still always forget at least one thing!

Darron and Ashlie said...

I LOVE lists too!! Especially since I am a bit of a procrastinator and not as organized as I wish I was. Maybe I will just call Super Mom Suz and she can get me ready for my vacay!
luv ya girl, Miss you and those growing babies

ashlie

Kim said...

I have to have a list! And now that my three are old enough to help, I make them a list for themselves. We put each days clothes in a ziploc bag so they know just what to wear each day. Then the dirty clothes can go right back in the bag at the end of each day.

Susan said...

Like everyone else - lists! But, I also love to spend a lot of time getting to know the area I'm headed to and know exactly what we need to see/eat/do while we're there. I spend a lot of time on TripAdvisor and similar sites reading reviews and such.

Brittany said...

I have a big list & a list of "don't forgets" for the morning of the trip.

Molly said...

I like lists, but somehow it usually still comes down to the day before when I actually start packing. We do try and have our bags and everything to go by the door for the next day to pack in the car. But all in all, I'm kind of last minute!

Anonymous said...

Making a list checking it twice.

eownby@airmail.net

Mallory said...

I make lists, print off confirmations, itineraries, and maps to and from the hotel, and I have bins lined out according to category with a list of what goes in each one...and I don't have kids yet so I can only imagine how bad it will be then ;)

Sarah said...

we sell all of our belongings for gas money. just kidding. we haven't ever traveled since becoming a family :(

Lisa said...

To pack for a big trip, I make lists and check them twice...kind of like Santa. HA!

Allison said...

I make a master spreadsheet and make tabs with all the important things. I also pick out all the kid's clothes for the trip and put them in ziploc bags with everything needed for the outfit down to socks and underwear.

Becky Milstead said...

Lists, lists, & more lists. There's a list of things to pack, a list of instructions for the grandparents, etc. I can't live without my lists! :-)

JWill said...

Glad to see I'm not alone in my list-making madness! My family calls me the "crazy list lady" and likes to give me a hard time, so I decided on our last trip that I wouldn't plan anything nor make any reservations. They were so bummed and lost without my mad organizational skills! They said I could never do that to them again, ha!

Karianna said...

I prepare for big trips by totally overplanning. I pack, and re-pack, and make lists galore. But, when all is said and done, I admit we end up with a pretty great getaway! (karianna-at-karianna-dot-us)

Audrey said...

I keep my travel items packed together at all times--I replenish when I return from a trip and place it in a small tote I take on every trip. I live by list making too!

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson said...

I'm with everyone here. I am a list-maker! I also lay out outfits for Addie to make sure I have all of the accessories I need for her outfits. :)

Anna said...

I make a list that I carry with me everywhere for weeks before a trip so I can write down items as I think of them so I don't forget anything!

Caralyn said...

I have a list for myself, a list for the twins, and a list for my oldest daughter. My husband...well, he's on his own! :)

seussgirl said...

Add me to the "List" list! I also keep a couple of Rubbermaid tubs handy to throw in items as I run across them the week before; trip items that I don't use daily, anyway!

Tabathia B said...

I am a planner like you with four kids ages 1 to 16 yo and I like to schedule activities.
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/52555650529632257
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

shelly said...

Lists, lists, and more lists!!
shellystripling(at)gmail(dot)com

The Moore Family said...

I make my list on my phone so if I think of something in a random place I always have my phone and can update!

KSDallas said...

We traveled and moved a lot when I was young, so I am pretty much an expert packer. The basics are never a concern, but I will keep a list for the trip specific items I might need (sun screen, bug spray, etc.).

AStarrA said...

Haha I haven't had a trip in so long I honestly don't remember
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

Shana said...

LOVE IT! I couldn't imagine doing anything without a list and a giant stack of Post-Its.

Tabitha said...

With it only being my husband and I, I pretty much just have to pack clothes, snacks and stuff to get ready, so it's not too hard - YET.

Brandy said...

Seriously?!? Y'all are making me feel extremely unorganized....typed lists, ziplocs, I would never go on vacay if it was that stressful!!! I'm all about organization, but you got to live life and enjoy it....if you forget something, it'll be okay :)!!!

Susan said...

I'm a list maker too. I have Word documents with all we need for various vacations...a trip to my parent's house or a trip to Disney World. When it's time to go, I pull up the document, look it over, update it, and print it out. Half the work is done!

JWill said...

I also make lists and don't find it stressful at all. Making the list and planning is all part of the fun!

Patty said...

I make a lot of piles. I pile up clothes by day (whether or not the outfit will be worn as is, or not), and then make TONS of lists. Luckily, we just have ONE kiddo, so that makes it slightly easier.

MCantu1019 said...

I'm sorry for this. I also make lists. They're life savers. Just can't remember everything.
MCantu1019@aol.com

kolpin said...

i start weeks ahead of time.

Katie Dahms said...

I have my kits ready to go with duplicates of everything I use at home and that way I don't even have to think of all the "extras"! Pack the clothes I need and go!

Anonymous said...

I make a list of everything that we need weeks ahead of time and check them all off as they are packed!

Anonymous said...

I prepare for big trips by making lists. I also try to pick out clothes and shoes that are easy to pack and versatile. And I try to eat healthy and take vitamins so that I won't get sick when I'm traveling. LPoser1 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I make lists, and exercise more.
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

Jeanentt said...

I'm a list person. I could never pack properly for a trip with three kids without one.

Unknown said...

Lists lists lists! The only way to pack!

JC said...

Making lists, seriously.

JC said...

http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/54065706085523457

Shelly Leatham said...

I prepare for big trips by making tons of lists...months in advance~
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Shelly Leatham said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54122714851573760
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I write a list weeks ahead and start packing about 1 week before the trip. I research the area for resturants and activites and print it all out and put with my luggage.

Kelly Massman said...

My husband and I are on a weight loss journey! We have joined the gym and our goal is to workout every other day! The hardest part is eating better and/or substituting meals with something like Slimfast!

Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Amanda said...

I make tons and tons of lists when we travel. We are planning on a trip in June and I've already got my lists started. It makes it so much easier to do it a little at a time and have everything planned out.

Jenny B said...

I'm ALL about the list! I have a master list that I use for all our trips and then can add to it depending on where we're going:)

Jenny B
jennyhasquads atyahoodotcom

Beth Roberts said...

I love lists...whether it be what to pack, what to buy for trip, what we'll do on the trip, etc. :)

tbmroberts at yahoo dot com

Shann said...

When we have a big trip ... I tend to list things we are going to do and what we will need. Then two days before the trip I try to pack all the clothes and extra for the trip that we won't need between then and when we actually leave...Then the night before with everything packed I get the kids clothes out and I make sure I have something for each to snack on and then we run around like a bunch of fruitloops and forget half of the items we need....LOL

Shannon Margaret

Mon_Cherie said...

Without the lists, I would leave something behind, like hubby! I have never had the joy of a cruise, but I know it would be a list of meds that would be needed as well...just in case- and yes, I do make a just in case list! Oh...and one must not forget to make the list of the lists!

Stephanie said...

Make a list and start packing early.

tigers14@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Usually I do make a list but didn't and when we went to Disney three weeks ago, I forgot my toothbrush! Ugh..

kconn0227@comcast.net

lee_lee_pops87 said...

I use lists! Lots of lists. Lists listing lists! :)

bridget said...

I make list of all that needs to be done before we go and when we are gone. Although it has been way to long since we have gone away together.

bridget said...

I make lists for before we go and for when we are gone. We having 5 kids it helps a lot!

peg42 said...

I try to diet and buy a few new clothing items. I make a list of items to pack for my family and I and I also research the area were going to for attractions.
Thanks so much.

Unknown said...

I keep track of where we are going, and fun things to do every day, without commiting us, in case the weather does not cooperate

sweepmom said...

I do a lot of research. The internet is a great source of information. I also create several lists so I don't forget anything.

buzzd said...

Make a list, plan what we are doing, and try to have fun

Unknown said...

Big Trip? what is that? Seriously, we have not been on a trip that is more than 1 night in a local hotel just to get away and have some us time in so long. I need a Big Trip so bad

Unknown said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56052455431077888

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

I oack everything and plan fun bags on the trip and all that stuff

Stephanie said...

usually dieting and exercising but not this year since being diagnosed with cancer
tvollowitz at aol dot com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

I don't want to just prepare for an event I want to prepare for life- portion and food control is the key

clc408 said...

I start packing very early and add items as I think of them. I mentally run through a day and make sure I have everything I need.

clc408 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/56333371755859968

Melanie Anne said...

I have 5 kids and so I totally undersatnd the prep that goes into going on a trip without the kiddos. I am a huge list maker and I usually like to type up notes for each day, meal ideas, schedules etc. '
I am glad you got to go on a trip with your hubby! How fun--Your sweet little children are beautiful and I am so impressed with how you handle quads!! WOW!!

Cynthia said...

Getting ready for a trip without kids - I've forgotten how to do that. Have fun!

Deb said...

I make lists and more list. I check off lists and make more lists. I still manage to forget to pack something or forget to do something, but it makes me feel like I'm in control

Deb said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56759547825631232

Anonymous said...

i do alot of stretching to get ready for all the activity
sherricrawford70/at/yahoo/dot/com

KaHolly said...

I'm a lister. Also, I don't fret and worry, I just 'do it'! I eat well and pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks.

Princess Golden Hair said...

How do I prepare for a big trip? I have to agree with the people who said lists, as a matter of fact there are lists for the list. I keep them in a notebook and check check and check again.

teechbiz at gmail dot com

Joe and Jen said...

Ditto on the LISTS!!! The only way to make it to the big vaca!!

Jenn Purchase said...

Def. ditto on the above posters with Lists!! We are going on Vacation in about 2 months and I already have a running list. I keep a smaller on in my purse so when I see things on sale I can pick them up.

Lindsay said...

i am very ocd and love love lists! and then i check them twice!

Unknown said...

I travel a lot for work, so I'm always packing and preparing for a trip. I do a lot of mental packing so when the time comes to actually do it, it's very robotic. And my biggest tip, I don't pack more than I need! Keep it simple!

Maria Diane said...

I make a list and check it twice when packing. I hate unpacking more. The chore of laundry is a bore.

Queen of the Misfits said...

I love making lists!!!

Sue said...

Another Lister here. And just hope for the best.

book_chick81 said...

I make lots of lists. One for each type of stuff I need to pack. Bathroom stuff, clothes, shoes, electronics and cords, etc.

Tracey said...

Lots of lists...food lists, clothing lists, misc. lists...and piles of trip gear begin accumulating in my bedroom and dining room about a week before we leave. I've recently discovered that packing everything in laundry baskets is WAY easier than suitcases...and they fit better in the car! We took our 3 monkeys to Disney in January and brought no suitcases! :)

The Rice Krispie Family said...

I always make lots of lists! I also make piles of various things before I actually start packing things into bags.

kerri r. said...

Same as everyone else. LISTS. I usually start making my list a week before the trip.

kailamc2 said...

I really don't prepare. I never pack until the night before a trip. I am the worst procrastinator!

Natalie said...

I know this might seem counter-intuitive, but I procrastinate with the laundry. I wash a week's worth of clothes the day before we leave, and then put out the suitcases in the middle of the living room with the folded piles. If it was good enough to wear last week, it's good enough for this week's trip, right? Then I don't have to roam from room to room in the house finding everyone's clothes.

HardingCynthia said...

I make a to do list and packing list. I'm such a list person, that's it the only way for me to not stress before a trip.

Patricia S. said...

I plan months ahead and make a list.

Claire Hood said...

I start making a long list of everything I am going to need a couple days before my trip, that way as I think of things randomly throughout my days, I can add them and be sure not to forget anything when I pack it all the night before!

Cori said...

Definitely lists! I always have multiple lists going on...

Tanya said...

Lists, Lists, Lists We are going on vacation in June and I have already started my lists. Things to buy beforehand, things to buy when we get there, a list for each child, a list for me, etc... I am sure you get the point. Lists are a must!

Sara said...

Start packing early and make a list. :)

mhuffman said...

Add me to the listmakers!

melissa_aowens@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Planning ahead (never waiting until the last minute) and of course, lists!

jessica said...

Make a list of everything I'm taking!

Danielle said...

Lists are the #1 thing. Followed by research. I like to look up ideas for packing online. It gives me an advantage because it's not just my brain thinking (: ha!

Jamie said...

A list for every and anything I can think of and LOTS of dvd's for the car!

Jennifer and Mark Kiel said...

is there where i leave a comment for the slim-fast give away? sure hope so!!

The Holland Family said...

We use a Goo.gle document and add things add we think of them. Then each person gets their own suitcase or bag with a list. Once things are packed, they are added to the hallway by the garage door or in the trunk of the car. Can't wait for the next road trip. Glad y'all had fun on your cruise! You certainly deserve the time away!

Kristine Gray said...

I research everything I can about where we are going so I have an idea what to expect and location of things. Then I go SHOPPING for stuff we need.

wendy said...

i love to make lists - i feel calm when i am organized - i also like to research the area(s) that i will be visiting - that is all parat of the fun of a trip

Patty said...

LISTS!!! That's all. Oh, and a list. Maybe another list...

Kierstyn said...

sticky notes EVERYWHERE!

Unknown said...

I make lists for what to pack, what i need to do before we leave and then write up detailed info for whomever is watching the kids or the animals while we're gone!

Summer said...

lots and lots of freezer bags. an entire outfit for the day for each kid. they can grab a baggie and have everything they need all together.

schwalka said...

pack EVERYTHING we own and that way we won't forget anything! ha! Lists really is the answer. and a backpack of toys for each kid.

Steph said...

Lists! (seems to be a pretty popular!)

Vancouver Elerick's said...

I don't make lists, which usually means that I am forgetting something. Not so great. But it seems that I am always trying to lose weight before a trip so I bump up my workouts and watch what I eat!

LOVE SlimFast and have been very successful using it. I like to keep it in the house so I can always grab some on the go. Love reading your posts!

elizabeth p said...

We always just go with the flow, throw into back packs what we need and enjoy ourselves. I am queenesperfect at yahoo.com

Schemstad said...

I make list, plan and research then plan some more :-) But the key is being flexible - I plan and schedule but I'm ok when the plans change ~ Tammy

Sharon said...

I make piles of different categories, clothes for each person, toys, bathroom needs. Luckily we all have plenty of clothes to get us thru till we leave.
sisaacs39@yahoo.com

Michele said...

Like everyone else, I need to make list and lots of notes to the wonderful caregivers we leave the little one behind with.

Jennifer said...

I usually make my lists then I label everyones clothes, fav cups, special toys ect.. with the right childs name on them so it helps in less fights. As moms we know who wants the blue plate or red one but a caregiver might not and it just eases my mind to leave special help and label with my childs name.

Kathy aka Pie said...

Kids are grown & gone, vacations are easy now. I usually wait till the night before to pack or I over-think it & pack way to much.

Monica said...

I make lists (but I usually always forget something).

Christine said...

Generally I make list in my head. I start a couple days before. But lovely husband is the real list maker. If we forget something, most of the time it wasn't that important and we will do without or buy when we get there.

JAllen627 said...

Big Trips = BIG suitcases!

PenW said...

Panic and then throw everything into suitcases the night before we leave! Seriously, I will have the kiddo's bag packed, snacks, etc. days before. I usually pack for myself the night before (because I usually change my mind 100 times otherwise)

An Unfamiliar Wife said...

Making lists and having an open mind help me!! :)

Heidi Johns said...

I apparently am one of the only ones who doesn't make a list but I do try to have all laundry washed about a week ahead of time so I can take out all the clothes we are bringing with,try to have a "new" toy or books to look at then we pray for patience and safety before leaving. Also, we have come to accept that it will always take an hour or two longer than mapquest says to get anywhere with children and try to plan for that extra time :)
~Heidi
joybell81@hotmail.com

mmburdette22 said...

I prepare by doing weeks of research before I travel anywhere. I need to know the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the area.
mmburdette22 AT yahoo DOT com

~irma said...

Trips are always exciting. I usually carry a list of my to dos and thins to pack. This typically includes a trip to several stores.

Anonymous said...

I am very OCD/Type A, so I have to make tons of lists. I have 5 kids, so each kid gets their own list (including clothing, toiletries, & games/toys for van), plus my husband & I get our own. I let the older kids pack for themselves, but then I go back & double-check them. I also have a master list of drugstore items & prescriptions that need to be packed. And each list gets rechecked at least once. If not two or three times!!

Heather
mac_heather@att.net

Jessica Goerzen said...

Love the list. Very useful and helpful. Thanks.

Jacqueline said...

I always wash all the linen and clean my kitchen and bathroom so I can come home to a clean house.

Kelly said...

I always pack well before a trip to make sure we have everything needed. I start with a list that usually grows by a few things but not too bad. this year, I am hoping that I have learned alot from my lists as we prepare to take our brand new 6 year old to Disney World for the first time.

Steve-n-Angela said...

Make very early arrangements for my kiddo and dog! and Getting all my shopping done for the trip at least a week in advance so I am not last minute shopping for stuff I really don't need.. LISTS are a key factor as many of us would agree!

teshak said...

Several lists are a must and then I combine them together to make sure everything is covered. I always seem to miss something important, like underwear for the kids! So that means a trip to the store on our trips. Ah ahy excuse to shop!

Gracie said...

I have a packing list on the computer that includes all things travel, including phone numbers for the newspaper, neighbors, etc. I print the list before each trip and check things off as I gather or do them!

avaellie said...

We put a countdown on the fridge to stay excited and every day we count down how many days are left! (this helps to counteract the stress of the really long lists!)

Misty said...

I make lists & PRAY :D

Diana said...

I make lists..lots of lists and my kids are older..not sure how I would do it with 4 little ones:) You look great and your cruise looked wonderful!!!

Olivia said...

I make lists for everything the old fashioned way--paper and pen. Lists for what to pack and what not to pack, goals to achieve and how to prioritize.My Mom was a list maker--think I inherited that gene.


mail.nw415 at gmail dot com

keri4uk said...

Just like everyone else, I make a list of absolutely everything we will need to take.
I start packing maybe 2 or 3 days before we leave so I'm not rushed and panicking on the last day!
My husband is really good at doing his own stuff. I get me and our two kids together!
I'm pregnant with our 3rd, so I'll for sure have my lists ready for our next trips!

Michelle said...

Like everyone else, Lists, making sure house is taken care of, pets are taken care of and any tickets or print-outs needed are in a handy place together so i'm not missing anything. Michelle B.

Denise S. said...

I make a list of what to bring and what to get done beforehand.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

Cori Westphal said...

Oh lists, lists, lists! I make a list as far in advance as I can. Then I add and remove items as the date gets closer. I hate forgetting something!

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Cori Westphal said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/59829216044265472

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Erica C. said...

Before a big trip, I like to exercise more often and drink water more often.

msrodeobrat said...

i try to run... running helps me get into better shape quickly
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

~dab said...

Like a lot of the previous posters, I'm a big list maker. I also will start gathering things on my living room couch as I think about it, so I don't forget anything. The joys of living alone :)

Thanks for hosting the giveaway! :)

Ashley said...

I make tons of lists and use sticky notes to help me remember stuff

oldnavyash@aol.com

Ashley said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/smash906/status/60342320461135872

oldnavyash@aol.com

Nancy said...

I am a list maker and start weeks in advance. It seems to work well for me.

sksweeps said...

lists, lists and more lists, followed by tons of research and then more lists and a scramble to get everything done at the last minute!

sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

marylou3285 said...

I start packing really early so I don't forget anything.

AEKZ2 said...

I prepare by trying not to eat so late at night. I also joined a fitness class.
annettekz2@yahoo.com

Valeen said...

I have a daughter with type 1 diabetes and a son with special needs so we plan well in advance for vacations or trips. I need to stock up on meds and supplies and start trying to prepare my son for the change in schedule! Lots of work, but worth it!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I am big on planning, and with everything imaginable planned for, I have learned to go with the flow and allow myself to relax, when things do not go as planned.
spiersrp at gmail dot com

jms said...

I have a fabulous checklist that I print off and start gathering items about a week ahead of time . . . I have a room designated "off limits" and I lay out all the luggage and start packing!!

bdiane34 said...

I research everything and plan accordingly
sweokgrl@gmail.com

bdiane34 said...

I tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/60499677904248832

Jessica said...

Definitely making lists and packing up everything but needed toiletries in advance. Lists are a lifesaver!
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

taylorbagels said...

well with organization and prompness I would say

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

I make a list a few weeks before I go, and a little every day, so I dont get overwhelmed.

itsjustme26613 at gmail.com

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/60613915826065408

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

willdebbie said...

I make lists daily, that way if I need to add something or change something I can and still keep my paper looking neat.
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

susansmoaks said...

to prepare for a big trip, i start packing weeks in advance, i make a list and check it twice. once i'm packed i just relax and enjoy the trip!
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Margie said...

My husband and I take missionary trips every once in a while... there's one coming up in a couple weeks--leaving for South Africa. Being healthy is a high priority while traveling. I store my email over in my Blogger profile. Thanks for the contest!

js22 said...

Getting enough of the right clothes is my major obstacle when planning a trip! I live in jeans and Tshirts, so when I go on a cruise, I need more dress-up clothes! Plus I need to make sure that they don't wrinkle easily!
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/60744324526252032
email in blogger profile.

Sue said...

Making sure that I find fun things to do when we're they're and getting the best deals.

shelley said...

I am totally a list person. I make lists for everything!!

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I make lists to keep us on track when planning trips. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

Howell said...

I keep a standard packing ofr travel list. As I throw things in the open luggage, I check them off.
I keep a separate list fo items that must be carried at the last minute and cannot be packed ahead of time.

hlee99 (at) gmail (dot) com

wizardewu said...

I keep different liss for different kinds of travel:
--business trip
--cruise
--camping/hiking trip
--wkend trips
--visiting family.

eugeniewu-at-gmail-dot-com

katklaw777 said...

I am forgetful and at times very unorganized, so I use a notebook to write down things I must remember and I make lists. Lots and lots of lists.
This always helps me to be prepared.
Thanks for the great giveaway.

katklaw777 said...

tweeted...
http://twitter.com/#!/katklaw777/status/60799195703021568

Leslie S. said...

I make lots of check lists.i have 4 kids(ages 3-13) so we need to take a lot of stuff with us.I start packing days before we leave.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sand said...

I research the city I'm visiting and make note of landmarks I want to see, places I want to eat and what I want to do.

Betty C said...

There is no such thing as planning too much. I make lists and check off each item as it's done and returning is the same. It makes life much easier.

barblong said...

I prepare for big trips by exercising more and eating healthier foods.

longbarb1@aol.com

Gutterhelmet said...

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Unknown said...

Hey this is nice that your husband is a hadworker. Enjoy it..


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John peter said...

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Nora @Split-Site PhD said...

Wow! Quadruplets! They are so adorable. Congrats on the all-expense paid cruise that your husband earned. I love how organized you are. I am the same way when it comes to my kids. All of your pictures are cute and I hope you had a great time. Plus side, everyone survived!

My Webblog: http://online-phd-uk.co.uk/

Unknown said...

Really make list of thenand happy mothers day 2014