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What to pack on a weekend getaway?
On many weekends throughout the year, we go on a little adventure within Texas. Sometimes we just drive and don’t even stop anywhere. Our kiddos like and are used to being in the car, so we go on one big road trip a year.
Last year we went from Austin, Texas to Burlington, Vermont and back. Jude was 1 and Charlie was 3. Needless to say, we’ve become road trip masters. This year, we didn’t get a chance to go on a long vacation so we’ve been going on family adventures on some weekends to explore Texas.
I want to share with you a few tips for your perfect family day trip this summer.
Tips for a successful family getaway
1 – Bring a tablet. Of course, we all want to keep our children away from screens as much as possible but electronic devices come handy during road trips. Don’t give it to your children right away. Save it as a last resort.
2 – Hit the dollar section at your local store and buy new toys. Coloring books, figurines, puzzles, or flash cards, whatever you can find. The novelty will keep them entertained for a while.
3 – Comfortable clothes are a must. Bring clothes that are easy to put on and take off for diaper changes and potty breaks. Pack an extra outfit and keep it at the front of the car in case they spill food or drinks on themselves. You don’t want to have to dig inside a big bag or suitcase.
4 – Pack plenty of water or other drinks. Extra tip: If your baby drinks formula, prepare a few bottles with just the formula powder. When your baby is hungry, just add the necessary amount of water!
5 – Bring yummy and nutritious snacks. Avoid chocolate snacks as they’ll melt. Right now, the boys are into these yummy Danimal smoothie: https://ooh.li/25dcdb5 – It’s our choice for a quick, easy, and nutritious snack when we’re in the car or just busy at home. You can buy them at Walmart. Danimals needs to be refrigerated so bring a cooler! Pro tip: Pop a straw through the foil lid for a mess free snack!
![Jude’s been having a lot of anxiety lately. He told Willy and I, with tears in his eyes, that he doesn’t like school because he misses us when he’s there. He’s been asking for hugs and affection even more so than usual. He’s also asked us if Charlie loves him even though he doesn’t say it and if we still love him when he makes bad choices... I can relate so much to his needs and worries. I’m thankful he’s expressing himself so well so I can give him the reassurance he needs but also kinda sad he’s overthinking so much at just 4.
I can’t help but worry that being so soft will make Jude vulnerable as he gets older because we live in a world that shames sensitive boys. The expectation is that boys have to be strong. I wish for people to realize that feeling deeply has nothing to do with not being strong. Feeling deeply in a world where vulnerability is considered a sign of weakness shows strength. It takes courage to be yourself, to allow yourself whatever it is you need to feel in that moment. Of course, Jude doesn’t have that level of thought yet. He feels deeply because that’s who he is and he doesn’t have the protective reaction from these emotions yet. But instead of encouraging him to not get so overwhelmed by his strong emotions, I encourage him to focus on his feelings and express them. I don’t want Jude to “toughen up” and bottle up all his emotions. I did that for too long because this is what I was taught as a child. I don’t want Jude to harden because the world expects him to. I do hope people will treat his fragile heart with kindness. All the love he gives so selflessly, he deserves to come back at him like a boomerang
[My book is being released tomorrow and I don’t think I have fully realized what it means yet 😳]](http://scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/10cfb0c4703c355640c764d841f2f039/5DFAC493/t51.2885-15/e35/c0.180.1440.1440/s320x320/66652712_489232684984713_1591966773832259102_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com "Jude’s been having a lot of anxiety lately. He told Willy and I, with tears in his eyes, that he doesn’t like school because he misses us when he’s there. He’s been asking for hugs and affection even more so than usual. He’s also asked us if Charlie loves him even though he doesn’t say it and if we still love him when he makes bad choices... I can relate so much to his needs and worries. I’m thankful he’s expressing himself so well so I can give him the reassurance he needs but also kinda sad he’s overthinking so much at just 4.
I can’t help but worry that being so soft will make Jude vulnerable as he gets older because we live in a world that shames sensitive boys. The expectation is that boys have to be strong. I wish for people to realize that feeling deeply has nothing to do with not being strong. Feeling deeply in a world where vulnerability is considered a sign of weakness shows strength. It takes courage to be yourself, to allow yourself whatever it is you need to feel in that moment. Of course, Jude doesn’t have that level of thought yet. He feels deeply because that’s who he is and he doesn’t have the protective reaction from these emotions yet. But instead of encouraging him to not get so overwhelmed by his strong emotions, I encourage him to focus on his feelings and express them. I don’t want Jude to “toughen up” and bottle up all his emotions. I did that for too long because this is what I was taught as a child. I don’t want Jude to harden because the world expects him to. I do hope people will treat his fragile heart with kindness. All the love he gives so selflessly, he deserves to come back at him like a boomerang
[My book is being released tomorrow and I don’t think I have fully realized what it means yet 😳]")
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