It's Wee Little Wednesday when I get to post about what I know best - all things kids! 

This week I am going to share some tips about traveling with kids.  My husbands family is a 4 hour drive away and my sister is a 2 hour drive.  To most, both of those trips are nothing but with young kids, it can be rough.  Let's go over the basics...

Packing
I over-pack.  Always. And yet I still manage to forget something EVERY TIME.  And, that's ok, because it's likely it's something we can either live without for a few days or purchase at a local store if it's a necessity. It helps to have a mini check-list that you keep IN the overnight bag, that way it's always handy!

It should include:
Socks, Underwear, PJs
Shirts, Pants, Something Warm
Extra Pair of Shoes (you never know)
Toothbrush/Paste
Facecloth
Diapers (if needed)
Favorite Thing - stuffed animal, blanket, etc

We always keep a set of toiletries in the bag (small shampoos, face wash, toothpaste, etc) and also travel packs of some meds (baby/kids tylenol, bandaids, dramamine, benadryl)

Entertainment
Keeping the kids entertained in the car is important.  Unfortunately my oldest gets car sick easily and can't play on a tablet, draw or anything that requires fixed concentration.  We give him motion sickness meds before we leave which will sometimes just knock him out for the majority of the trip.  We've been playing lots of car games that are simple, spot 3 red cars then see who can find the most blue ones. Eye Spy. Sing-A-Longs. 

We have "trip bags" I spend $20 on each child in the Target "Dollar" section.  Got coloring books, chalk, card games, glow sticks, water bottles, toy cars, etc. and they each have a tote bag it all goes in.  These are Road Trip Only items and are returned to the bag when we get home.  This keeps things interesting and a fresh assortment of toys for special times. I also add snacks and drinks to each bag before we leave. 

Timing
Timing is literally everything, especially when we make the longer 4 hour trip.  Leave after a meal so the kids are fed and, if you can, before bed time so they will sleep most of the ride.  Put them in comfy travel clothes and hit the road!  We usually end up making at minimum 2-4 potty breaks. The baby will most likely sleep most of the ride anyway but I'm sure as she gets older we will need to make more night trips. 

Safety
Lastly, make sure you have air in the tires, the seats are installed properly and you are in a good state to be driving a long distance. Do you have a phone charger?  Directions?  Caffeinated beverage?  Did you remember to use the bathroom before hopping in the car?  

These might seem like common sense but, I still manage to miss things now and again.  Comment your travel tips below!  Do you have any fun car games to share? 

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It's Wee Little Wednesday which is the day I get to post about what I know best - all things kids! 

​This is a craft I did with my son 3 or so years ago that I've been wanting to do again, so here it is...

You Will Need:

1 Bag Uncooked White Rice (dollar store)
White Vinegar
Ziplock Baggies
Liquid Food Coloring (we used neon)

1. Separate rice between baggies
2. Pour in 2 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 cup of rice and 4 drops of food coloring per 1 cup rice
3. Squeeze out air and seal baggy
4. Pour rice out onto a flat baking pan and store in a safe place (turned off oven) until dry

This is such an easy project to do and it lasts forever, store the rice in a cool dry environment for use again and again.  We played with mini construction vehicles in it for days and also made some really cool layer art inside neat bottles (like sand art).  Great sensory project for little ones!

Now that the weather is finally warming up in New England, I am bringing back my favorite sweet, cool treat!

1/2 Cup Frozen or Fresh Ripe Berries
1 Cup Plain Kefir
2 Cups Vanilla Yogurt

Freeze the vanilla yogurt for 2 hours or until frozen.  Put it into a blander or food processor with frozen berries and kefir.  Blend until smooth.  If you find that it's too tart for your liking add in some agave or honey. You can also get creative and sub the berries for bananas, peaches or pineapple

Enjoy!

This is also really good if you spoon into pop molds and re-freeze for a grab & go treat.