I know I've talked about the beach a lot on here. I have to say, I'm slightly excited!!! We have not been on a vacation in 3 years. I have to be honest, taking kids in the midst of terrible twos and getting into everything was NOT my idea of a vacation at all. The twins are finally old enough to not get into every single thing and they know a lot more boundaries, so I think we are ready for a vacation! I can handle Henry- one child exploring is much easier to handle than two. Just saying! I am still planning to take outlet plug-in things to put in the outlets at our beach rental. I think that is all the stuff I'm taking for baby proofing, I hope it will be enough. We'll see. There is a Walmart close by if something is needed last minute.
We last went to the beach when the twins were 6 months old, and again at 9 months. I have to say, I am MUCH more laid back now about planning vacation. Here are some tips that helped me though in the earlier days- in case you are a mom of multiples reading!
The 6 month trip was totally different from the 9 month trip for various reasons. At 6 months, the twins were still on solely formula for feedings. I packed all their bottles and formula, and water. We took their pack and plays for sleeping, a few toys and one exercauser, and that was it. It was pretty easy. Except on the actual beach, my Dad had to set up his huge tent we use for ball games to keep the babies in the shade. Still, it was pretty easy overall. Dustin was with me and actually kept them in the condo a lot for naps, etc. and let me get a few breaks to the pool/ocean alone. The funny thing was, when we got to the condo and were sorting out bedrooms, Dustin volunteered us for the smaller room. We had this TEENY room with two twin beds for us, a pack and play in between them, and a pack and play virtually in the closet. We all still give him grief about this. He maintains the position, "I was being nice." Amanda, Wayne, and Hunter had a lovely master bedroom that trip, for just the three of them! If we ever go back to that timeshare- it's our turn for the master! :-) LOL.
The 9 month beach trip was different in that the twins were eating baby food by that point. This trip was without Daddy, but with Aunt Nicole, my mom, and my step-dad. I decided to make things easier on everyone by organizing the food before the trip. I took gallon ziploc bags and labelled them breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went ahead and filled each bag we would need with whatever jars of baby food, cereal, or bottle were needed complete with instructions on how much water, etc. to add to the bottles, spoons for feeding, and disposable bibs. This made things much easier, especially if my mom got up early with the kids and wanted to go ahead and feed them breakfast. Also, if we decided to go out for the day, I could just grab a lunch or dinner bag to throw in the diaper bag. It made it nice to not have to "think" each time we left what I needed. I also put all their clothes on top of the dresser seperated by child and outfits/PJs so clothes could also be grabbed by whoever, along with diapers and wipes. We had to add a highchair seat for each kid to the packing list. I also took one umbrella stroller and put the other baby in a hip sling, for easier manuevering through stores. All in all, it was another fun vacation.
I have found that when planning a trip anywhere with kids, whether it's a week long vacation or a day trip, it is best to plan ahead. I try to make a list so I don't forget anything- I will forget whatever's not written down. It's also extremely crucial to everyone's well-being to have plenty of snacks on hand for the kids in the car, and whenever you go anywhere. If their sugar drops because they are overly hungry- everyone is in big trouble!
For this upcoming vacation- I am very laid back in my packing approach. I have learned you can buy anything along the way! Recently we were out and about and Henry didn't have anymore milk. I actually had Dustin run in a convenience store and buy a jug of milk for him. It wasn't our fresh milk, but it calmed by upset boy. I allow myself grace when I forget an extra bottle instead of beating myself up like I might have when I was a new mom.
Space in our SUV is now at a premium, so I am packing extremely light and will buy what we need when I get there for the most part. If we run out of space, I may just grab a pack of diapers when I get there for Henry, or shampoo for everyone. I will see as space permits. We always immediately go to the grocery store anyway because we have to stock the fridge. I am for sure taking:
- pack and play for Henry
-sheets for all the beds
-towels & beach towels
-umbrella stroller
-clothes for everyone
-few toys/DVDs for kids
-swimsuits
-beach chairs/umbrella/sand toys
-toothbrushes/paste/deodorant/make-up/hairdryer
-lots of sunscreen
-my Kindle Fire
-cameras
-certain food items I'm not willing to compromise on for the week- fresh milk for Henry, organic cereal bars for the twins, Horizon milk singles for Emmy (not sure if I can find them there-and we plan to use juice boxes/milk boxes on the beach for simplicity's sake. She's my only one who likes the milk boxes for some reason), organic fruit leathers for snacks, maybe organic apples-I may give in and not pack these.....they ARE on the dirty dozen list though so we'll see.
Everything else is negotiable! I am not taking a high chair seat for Henry, as he does okay in a regular chair. I think we can manage for the week. I think our car will be packed to the brim with just these items!
I am really excited for the kids to see the ocean and see what they think! I hope they will want to stay the whole week-they are such homebodies.
I still need to pick up a few things- ocean shoes for Carson (we have them for Henry & Emmy), camoflage crocs for Dustin (he wants these for the sand), and I think I am going to splurge on those swim shirts for the kids. We got a teeny bit of sunburn at the lake in certain spots that apparently got missed when re-applying sunscreen. Well, Henry didn't, but the twins and I did. I always wear a t-shirt at the beach to keep off the sun, but the kids don't like swimming in shirts. Maybe they will if they are swimming shirts. I think Target and Walmart have them somewhat reasonably priced, but I may try the consignment shop first.
Anyway, we are well on our way to a great vacation! I miss having baby-babies....but I am loving this age too where they get SO excited about things and understand so much!
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