So how are we doing toward this goal? So far, all the kids are packed and Cliff and I have not really started J This is partly because Eagle Creek has the slowest return policy known to mankind so Cliff and I are still waiting for our backpacks. (See earlier post on luggage.)

The kids have their large bags packed, their daypacks for the plane packed and have even put what they will wear on the plane in a separate bag.

For the twins, we returned the small Eagle Creek bag ($250) and opted for the more affordable roller suitcase from Target ($30.)  Since there was NO CHANCE Tuck and Jones were ever going to be using the backpack feature, we decided not to waste money on fancy luggage engineering.  Jones got one with purple polka dots and Tuck got camo….perfect!

Tuck and Jones with their suitcases packed and ready to go!

As we packed, we took advantage of two great technologies, packing cubes and zip locks!  Ziplocks are the absolute BEST for storing things that may never get used.  Like the micro-down jackets…we may use them everyday… or never…who knows!  The kids had fun helping to sit on the ziplocks to get all the air out.  Who needs compression bags?

Jones thought squishing all his stuff in ziplocks was the best part of packing….it’s like playing with a whoopie cushion!

After reading how much the Roaming Jones worshiped their packing cubes, we decided to use packing cubes too for everyday items like pants and shirts.  And here is what I learned about packing cubes….they are really expensive, relatively speaking! Considering it is just a small nylon bag, it is pretty ridiculous.  Luckily, I spotted packing cubes at IKEA when I was there two weeks ago.  You can get a set of 4 packing cubes for less than half the price of one cube at REI.  I got each person their own set and bought a silver Sharpie so everyone could put their name on theirs.  They certainly make packing and unpacking much easier!  Thank you Roaming Jones!

Ikea packing cubes!

So Cliff and I have 24 hours to pack so we can catch up to the kids and stay on schedule…wish us luck!

So this trip we have some hardcore rules when it comes to packing:

1) Everyone must pack the items on the mandatory list (see below)….no exceptions.

2) Everyone has to get special permission to bring extra stuff…even me J

3) Everyone will need to carry their own stuff

4) Don’t pack anything you can’t afford to lose

5) No cotton clothes!  This is BY FAR the hardest rule….try buying underwear for toddlers that doesn’t have cotton in it….even Kmart doesn’t sell polyester toddler underwear J

The biggest challenge will be trying to keep the electronics at a minimum!  We are a tech heavy family so leaving behind our smartphones, iPads, computers, huge cameras, etc will be really challenging…..stay tuned….we will take a pic of all of our electronics before we leave to see how successful we are at keeping it to a minimum.

Another challenge for me, personally, will be to not bring a zillion craft supplies!  I always pack a heavy suitcase when traveling that has more craft stuff than clothes.  Especially googley-eyes and a glue gun…is it possible to travel for a year without googley-eyes?  Or a glue gun? We will see J

Finally, there are also some items that we will needs as a group and we will divvy up to share in our bags…these include ziplocks, a camping clothes line and clothespins, water purification tablets and a filter, sharpies, bug spray, a deck of cards, a soccer ball and pump, a sewing kit, first aid supplies, etc.

MANDATORY LIST

these are the items that everyone needs to pack:

5 prs underwear and 5 prs socks

2 bathing suits

2 pr pants

3 pr shorts

1pr water shoes/ sandals… something you can walk on slippery rocks with like Keens

1 pr shoes that look nice for dinners

1 pr running shoes

1 pr shoes for hiking…if these can be the same as running shoes, great!

micro down jacket in stuff sack

Rain jacket or poncho

Hat for sun

Hat for warmth

2 fleece

3 short sleeve shirts (boys need one to be a collared shirt)

2 long sleeve shirts

Sleeping bag in stuff sack

Snorkel set

Sunglasses with croakies

Skirt (girls)

Toothbrush

Toiletries

Ironman watch

Head lamp

Earbuds (2 pr)

Binoculars (for safari)

PJ bottoms

Light gloves

Cheap/tiny calculator (to carry for currency conversion)

String bag (older kids only)

Bandana

*****

The idea will be that everyone has their bag PACKED by August 15^th and will not use those items for the remainder of the summer.  This will help us make sure minimize the forgetting of important items and that everything is clean when it is packed J   Between now and then, each kid is doing a “mock packing” …see Yve’s earlier blog post!  It is hilarious!!!!

Otto, Jones and Tuck sporting their new microdown jackets for trip!