Everyone loves to go on vacation. I don’t think I have met anyone who doesn’t! The relaxation, the adventure… the packing? Wait, packing is definitely not on that list of things I love about vacation but unfortunately its necessary. You have to have clothes and the needed items to keep you from looking like a slob. I just hate it with a passion. The only thing I dislike more then packing, is unpacking.

Before children packing was a breeze. Some pants, shorts, shirts, shoes, make up, etc. all tossed into a bag and thrown into the car. My purse only contained my wallet, sunglasses, phone and a camera. Maybe a book or game like Sudoku. That was all. Now I have to pack for children and while I try to be a minimalist everything adds up fast. Aside from the clothes there are diapers, wipes, blankies, stuffed animals, toys, books, crayons, whatever is needed to keep them occupied in the car. There is now a large bag and cooler for snacks, drinks and food that isn’t fast food but can be eaten in the car if need be. After all that packing and planning for only a weeks trip you sometimes end up feeling like you will need a vacation from this vacation. Its a viscious cycle.

I complain but at the same time I feel blessed that we can take a vacation and get away for a bit. Its a lot of work but I am happy we have the ability and the means to do it. I love being able to give our girls the experience of riding in the car, seeing new places and creating adventures and memories. I just wish there was a magic wand that I could use, even if only for these moments, to do all of the things I don’t like doing. But for now I will keep wishing, get my butt off the couch and continue the packing process.