Anatomy of a Suitcase

I can finally breathe.  Our house, for all intents and purposes, is packed.  Our tenant moved in. So I forgot to remove the freezer burned chicken and the almost finished bottle of wine.  We are finally gone.

Well, not really.  We're visiting the grandparents before the big trip, so it's kind of great to have been forced to pack a week early.  Every day, we realize things we've forgotten to do or pack, so it means we still have time to take care of them.

I have to say, I feel like a bit of a rock star for packing so well.  In only 4 suitcases, I was able to fit:

• clothes, jackets, rain coats, shoes for 4 people
• beach mats, towels, bathing suits, water shoes, sunscreen, hats, mosquito net, UV cover for the stroller
• life jackets for both kids
• a helmet and scooter for Big J
• tons of art supplies for Big J, art supplies for me
• a jolly jumper for Little J
• part of a wooden train set, puzzles, a doll, stuffed animals, baby toys, books
• my big digital SLR

Big J has his very own carry-on that is filled with activity books, stickers, and toys for the flight.  And of course, we are in the process of loading up the iPad with as many episodes of Max and Ruby as it will hold.

Anyone have any travel must haves to recommend?

3 more days...