Packing

Words cannot express how excited I am to be going to see my parents. Not only will they be there but so will Avonelle and Wilson. It has been such a long time since I've seen them last I cannot wait to spend time with them. I also can't wait to play Scrabble together as we always seem to do. It will be a full house with 11 people being there at one time. The most that's ever been at their house at once before. It should be interesting.

So I started thinking about the things I need to take with us. We're celebrating Jackson's birthday on Friday night so I have some plates, napkins and a table cloth to bring. Then I have to remember to bring the boxes of mac 'n cheese to cook that night. I'm also making angel biscuits to go with the turkey my mom is having and to go w/ the ham that Brad is sending us (I LOVE Honeybaked hams! Brad you rock!).

Then I started thinking about the things that Avery needs. Clothes, blankets, burp cloths, diapers, wipes, her swing, the Boppy, bottles, formula and I'm sure there is something I'm already forgetting. Then it's the usually clothings and shoes for the kids and myself. Plus I have to put together our tolietries... oh wait. Nope, I forgot I keep a stash for us in the upstairs bathroom so I don't have to pack them each time. Still need my makeup, flat iron, hair dryer, etc.

I need to strategically pack everything because inspite of the minivan we gotta make it all fit comfortably. I could put the 3 kids in the middle row BUT that just causes fighting between the oldest kids. So I'm taking the middle seat of the middle row out so Kenzie can get to the back. I'm going to fold down 1/2 of the back row so we can have extra room for the swing, luggage and stroller. It will be a tight squeeze.

I had forgotten how difficult it is to travel with a baby. Then add two more kids on top of that... whew... I'm exhausted just thinking about it. I am going to start putting things together for the trip tomorrow. I'm hoping to have the van pretty much packed and ready to go Thursday night. I just can't imagine doing it all Friday morning. When I go back up to my parents after Christmas I'm going to have the car full and have to load it all by myself.

Okay, so I guess this post is just a complaining type post about how much I have to do. Even though I'm complaining I'm really looking forward to it all. I cannot wait to see everyone. It is the best Christmas present I can think of.