Travel Planning

Did I tell you that Gwen and I are heading to New Mexico at the end of this month? A new state and the start to our 2017 travels! As my excitement for the trip grows, so does my desire to prepare. I can't pack yet, but I can start my lists. I thought I would record them here for posterity, and to help others who might be intimidated about traveling with kids (more advice here!).


Gwen's Stuff
Clothes to Layer
Extra Socks and Underwear
Warm PJs 
Brown Bear and Blankie (things she sleeps with every night)
Toiletries (Toothbrush and Paste, Hair Brush and Ties; depending on how long we'll be gone: Wash [hair and body] and Conditioner)
Books, Crayons, and a few Toys for the car

Food (to eat in the car and over the fire) and Hydration
Water (~ 1 gallon per person per day; Gwen needs less, but that extra we use for cooking - we freeze half of what we take and use that to help keep the food cold)
Gatorade (a treat for Gwen and good for long hikes) 
Peanut Butter and Bread
Soup (to cook over the fire)
A variety of Fruits and Mini Carrots
Hot Dogs and Breakfast Sausages
A variety of Nuts 
Pretzels, Granola Bars, Crackers, and Goldfish
A few pieces of Candy for treats!

Camping
Tent
Sleeping Bags and an extra Comforter
Fire Starters (some or all of: newspaper, lighter or matches, fire starter log, lighter fluid or gel; packed in a ziplock to keep dry)
Camping Pot and Skillet, and Utensils
Baby Wipes
First Aid Kit
Camping Lantern 
Depending on the Time of Year: Sunscreen and/or Bug Spray
Depending on Location: Bear Spray 

My Stuff 
Clothes to Layer

Extra Socks and Underwear
Warm PJs
Toiletries (Toothbrush and Paste, Deodorant, Hair Brush and Ties; depending on how long we'll be gone: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap)
Camera 
A Book 

Extras
Our National Parks Passport! (We love getting the cancellation stamps at all the Nat'l Parks, Monuments, and Sites that we visit!)

Snow Tube (this is a special extra this time - to use in White Sands!)
An Extra Little Toy (something small, but a surprise for Gwen - for a day when we're all just over it!)
A Jumper Box for our car (this is unusual, but a must for me because of the distances we travel)

What do you pack when you camp?