Traveling with so many can be fun! We spent two weeks in a hotel last year when we moved ... it was fun!
Shelley
· 8 months ago
I love traveling with my kids (4 and 18 months) and we've got a trip planned from IA to NJ to visit the grandparents in a month. I usually have done some garage sale shopping and have a bin of toys (this year the kids will probably share most of it) that they've never seen before. That keeps them entertained for quite a while. It's also amazing what one ball can do for rest stops. Bubbles are another great emergency entertainment idea as they can be blown for the younger ones to stop tears of boredom.
We like to travel on a very small budget, so we pack all of our own food. Sandwiches, tons of veggies, and a carton of milk goes a long way!
Shelley
susanc
· 8 months ago
the best travel tips I can think of straight up are *no sugary foods...children in tight places and sugar do not mix
*long car trips a portable dvd player is awesome....more than one if you have vastly differing age groups {+headphones}
*pack an extra t-shirt for littlies
*extra wipes
*sticker books
I can't think of any more...I guess good attitude {for everyone} is a good idea ~~~
Susan xx
Stephanie
· 8 months ago
Girl I don't know how you do it...I have a hard time with 4 kids so I can't imagine living your life right now. Of course I'm the only person in my house that packs so that probably adds to my problem.
Hope you guys have a wonderful time and safe travels!!!!
Janet
· 8 months ago
Goodness me! You do sound organised!
Dawn
· 8 months ago
I don't have any tips...sounds like you've got it pretty well covered. But I do have a question.
Have you come across hotels that won't let you share a room with that many bodies? We are about to return to the States on furlough and have 3 more kiddos than we left with...5 total. We thought we might do hotels while traveling but when we called about rooms we were told we would need the family suite, which of course is nearly double the price...or two rooms. Our children are 5 and under so that won't work for obvious reasons. What is your experience with this...
Juliana E.
· 8 months ago
The picture of Ozzie reminds me of my Ian. He stands directly in front of the t.v. too! We, like you, do not have cable so when my kids get a t.v. with cable it is the highlight of a trip!
shannonjason
· 8 months ago
We travel to MN (from IA) pretty often as most of our family still lives there, so we have a "special" treat for Brenna when we hit the border. Usually some fruit or crackers and cheese. Or if we didn't happen to pack a cooler - fruit snacks always win her over. I also made some 8x10 laminated cards that have pictures of different items on them (bird, car, tree, stop sign, etc) so she can look for things and point them out on her cards. Her favorite is dancing/signing to the Disney cd's when we're in the last hour of our drive - it helps her move around, laugh and giggle - that last 45 min to an hour on a trip usually seems the hardest for kids so this works great.
Happy Travels!!
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
i agree it sounds like you have a system, but really, you are not inventing the wheel! big families travel all the time, and love it!! glad to hear you enjoy yourselves, which is hopefully the point of this post. learning something new, not so much.
Lisa
· 8 months ago
You've got a great system!
I'm such a control freak and totally paranoid about travel with my 2 (yes, only 2!) girls. We usually drive at night (we take a hour trip regularly)and a few days before I try to get a few cheap new toys they haven't seen before as entertainment.
The girls usually sleep the whole time, but if they wake up I give a little snack and they're out before they finish it. They have a Praise Baby cd they sleep with in their room, and I usually bring it in the car with us.
We have yet to do the hotel thing...I'm scared they won't sleep!
Alexandra's Mommy
· 8 months ago
WOW thats all i can say! I have one little girl and I feel like I pack her entire closet when we go visit grandma and grandpa!!
Mrs. Toro
· 8 months ago
Anonymous - Really?! Was that comment necessary? She didn't say she knew it all...she was simply sharing how HER family travels. Get a life.
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
Well "anonymous" may not have learned anything new, but I did. How do you get hotels to let you all stay in the same room? Most larger families that I know get frustrated because there is a 4 person limit per room and they are required to get two rooms. ~T :)
4 Little Men and Girly Twins
· 8 months ago
Quite a few of you have asked about hotels and how we can say in one room with so many. Honestly we've never had a problem. We usually stay at holiday Inn Express or another hotel within the same 'family'.
On our last trip we stayed in a Marriott and on the door was the room rates -- it said that children stay free. So... they only count the adults. {which is how it should be, I think!}
Now once the boys are bigger we might need a double room with a connecting door. :)
Hope that helps!
Britt
Brittany
· 8 months ago
How much fun! You are your husband are making WONDERFUL memories for your little ones. I have so many fond memories of family vacations when I was younger.
Nicole
· 8 months ago
This post was so much fun!
I always love seeing how much of a laid back mom you are... so cool!
Where are you traveling for 2200 miles this summer?! Crazy exciting! :)
Sgt and Mrs Hub
· 8 months ago
Because Daniel is in the Air Force, we can stay in the hotel on each base. And it is WONDERFUL. The most we've ever paid was 52 dollars and that was for a 3 bedroom with full kitchen, washer and dryer, livingroom etc. It makes traveling with the kids so much easier and enjoyable.
Daniel and I LOVE traveling and so do the kids. There is always adventure to be found! As long as there is good planning and room for surprise there will always be fun.
You all sound like you make the most of every moment together! And I love how you take the scary out of traveling with 6 kids :)
-Andrea
-Andrea
Jenny
· 8 months ago
It sounds like you have it down to a science! Awesome.
What type of van do you have that all of the car seats fit in?
Claudia
· 8 months ago
I have four kids of my own. You say you use a van, and I was curious as to what kind you found that will fit all your family.
4 Little Men and Girly Twins
· 8 months ago
Van questions...
we drive a honda odyssey -- it's the newer style so it has 8 seats instead of 7. And we fill EVERY seat! :) It's a load full!
Sarah
· 8 months ago
You make it look so easy!!! I haven't dared to try it with my 3.
britt
· 8 months ago
Hi there,
Just trying to figure out the "rules" here. I made a comment (not even to you, it was directed at another poster) a few days ago, in which I wrote the phrase "get a life." You wrote that it was a rude comment and deleted it. Now, when someone else (mrs. toro) posts the same phrase in response to something someone said about you, you don't seem to have a problem with it. The road needs to go both ways, lady.
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
Just wondering what time your kids go to bed.
4 Little Men and Girly Twins
· 8 months ago
"britt"
No rules -- we all just need to be respectful!
I do not want to moderate comments... it's one thing to moderate what is being said directly to me but then to include what is being said to everyone else. OY!
Can we ALL just try to be respectful!?!
And the "get a life" comment that was deleted... I read it as it was directed at me. With all the "anonymous" it's hard to know who is talking to who.
If you are going to comment to another commenter can we please make it clear that is who you are talking to?
and let's all remember to be nice! I feel like a school teacher. {grin}
"Anonymous" Are you asking what time my kids go to bed at the hotel or on regular nights?
Britt
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
I posted the bed time comment:
I didn't realize it was two different times that your kids go to bed. So, I guess, what time do they go to bed at the hotel?
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
I stumbled on to your blog through somewhere else a few weeks ago. I just have to tell you that I love your pictures, and your blog. I am a mom of 4, and I also was an art major in college(a million years ago). :) You really have a fantastic "eye" for catching the greatest shots. I love how you use the light. Anyways, I am sorry you have to monitor your posts, after all this is a blog and people do not have to read it if it bothers them so much. Please continue to post you wonderul tips, ideaa, or whatever. They are often a bright spot in my day. -Lynne
Clair
· 8 months ago
We love to travel with our three- I think the key is just like you do- chill, relax and don't worry!
We do boats and all sorts, we even stayed with my aunt for two weeks in her tiny one bed flat - the girls in the bed with her, baby in our travel cot (she was too little) and us on the floor of the kitchen/ sitting room. The girls loved it! 6 is probably just twice the fun!
4 Little Men and Girly Twins
· 8 months ago
We tend to stay up late when we are staying at a hotel. Since we all are in the same room we all go to sleep at the same time. Which -- according to the last few weekends out of town -- was around 10:30pm.
We're late night people and we tend to let our kids stay up late as a 'treat' {like at the hotel}. BUT none of our kids are early morning people. The earliest they get up is 7:30ish.
On school nights our normal bedtime is 8:30pm - which some people think is late. That's just what works for our family! :)
Britt
Aleah
· 8 months ago
Once we rigged up a bed out of 2 luggage racks! Kids can sleep anywhere - and love it!
Roads trips are lots of fun! Where in the world are you going that's 2200 miles away?!
Tim
· 8 months ago
We use a Flip Video camera on trips because it is so small and shoots great video. Im actually giving one away right now on my blog as part of a contest to help us name our new dog. The persons name we pick for our dog wins! That simple.
Have a great weekend! Loved the trip suggestions!
Love and Prayers,
Tim
Executive Momma
· 8 months ago
I am a new blogger and first time commenter. I just love your blog. Your family is so goregous and your pictures are amazing. I am excited to be an official blogger and not a lurker anymore! :)
The Zoo Keeper
· 8 months ago
We have only made two trips with all 8 of us, but are planning a few for the summer. I learned from the first one that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be :-), you are right about the kids all being excited! I think the kids follow the mood of the parents so being laid back (but organized) is great! we have also LOVED getting kids books on CD's from the library and listening to them in the car, its amazing how much they will really listen and imagine the pictures....
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
WE love the Candlewood Suites. They have a large one bedroom suite. We put the kids in the bedroom with the door shut and then hubby and I sleep on the fold out and can watch tv (with out waking the kids). Plus there is free washers and dryers (love it) and a full kitchen in every room (good for snacks and cooking). They run awesome weekend rates, check them out!
angela
· 8 months ago
I totally get what you said about leaving the house neat! I add it to my to do list whenever we are taking a trip....I must come home to a clean house, clean dishes, and clean cloth diapers waiting for me in the dryer!
heather@it'stwinsanity
· 8 months ago
I think I've become a pro at the traveling thing too. We've logged over 8,000 miles in the last 6 months. Mostly driving from GA to VA and back again. And most of the time just me and the kids. But I also like to have the house spotless when we leave, which makes for some late nights getting ready. We do a lot of movies on the DVD player and I pack travel totes for each kid, along with a cooler full of food. We put all of our luggage and gear into a 5x8 trailer that we tow behind our van. It's the only way we can fit the quad stroller. Can you say freak show? LOL
monica
· 8 months ago
We love road trips and try to take them often. Looks like you have it down pat and you are a pro! Thanks for sharing your pointers with us!
Elaine A.
· 8 months ago
WOW, you are SO organized, but, I guess you HAVE to be! : ) Great tips! I need to start having my oldest pack his own things, he can do it!
Mylla
· 8 months ago
happy travels!
Mylla
· 8 months ago
happy travels!
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
We have five kids and have sometimes had trouble being allowed to sleep in one room. Usually now we like to get a suite. We have three teenagers now, so this no longer works, but when they were younger (and shorter), we would sometimes retuck the blankets on the bed and sleep three of them crosswise instead of two lengthwise. We've done that with cousins overnight, etc. too.
All Comments
We like to travel on a very small budget, so we pack all of our own food. Sandwiches, tons of veggies, and a carton of milk goes a long way!
Shelley
*no sugary foods...children in tight places and sugar do not mix
*long car trips a portable dvd player is awesome....more than one if you have vastly differing age groups {+headphones}
*pack an extra t-shirt for littlies
*extra wipes
*sticker books
I can't think of any more...I guess good attitude {for everyone} is a good idea ~~~
Susan xx
Hope you guys have a wonderful time and safe travels!!!!
Have you come across hotels that won't let you share a room with that many bodies? We are about to return to the States on furlough and have 3 more kiddos than we left with...5 total. We thought we might do hotels while traveling but when we called about rooms we were told we would need the family suite, which of course is nearly double the price...or two rooms. Our children are 5 and under so that won't work for obvious reasons. What is your experience with this...
Happy Travels!!
I'm such a control freak and totally paranoid about travel with my 2 (yes, only 2!) girls. We usually drive at night (we take a hour trip regularly)and a few days before I try to get a few cheap new toys they haven't seen before as entertainment.
The girls usually sleep the whole time, but if they wake up I give a little snack and they're out before they finish it. They have a Praise Baby cd they sleep with in their room, and I usually bring it in the car with us.
We have yet to do the hotel thing...I'm scared they won't sleep!
~T :)
On our last trip we stayed in a Marriott and on the door was the room rates -- it said that children stay free. So... they only count the adults. {which is how it should be, I think!}
Now once the boys are bigger we might need a double room with a connecting door. :)
Hope that helps!
Britt
I always love seeing how much of a laid back mom you are... so cool!
Where are you traveling for 2200 miles this summer?! Crazy exciting! :)
Daniel and I LOVE traveling and so do the kids. There is always adventure to be found! As long as there is good planning and room for surprise there will always be fun.
You all sound like you make the most of every moment together! And I love how you take the scary out of traveling with 6 kids :)
-Andrea
-Andrea
What type of van do you have that all of the car seats fit in?
we drive a honda odyssey -- it's the newer style so it has 8 seats instead of 7. And we fill EVERY seat! :) It's a load full!
Just trying to figure out the "rules" here. I made a comment (not even to you, it was directed at another poster) a few days ago, in which I wrote the phrase "get a life." You wrote that it was a rude comment and deleted it. Now, when someone else (mrs. toro) posts the same phrase in response to something someone said about you, you don't seem to have a problem with it. The road needs to go both ways, lady.
No rules -- we all just need to be respectful!
I do not want to moderate comments... it's one thing to moderate what is being said directly to me but then to include what is being said to everyone else. OY!
Can we ALL just try to be respectful!?!
And the "get a life" comment that was deleted... I read it as it was directed at me. With all the "anonymous" it's hard to know who is talking to who.
If you are going to comment to another commenter can we please make it clear that is who you are talking to?
and let's all remember to be nice! I feel like a school teacher. {grin}
"Anonymous"
Are you asking what time my kids go to bed at the hotel or on regular nights?
Britt
I didn't realize it was two different times that your kids go to bed. So, I guess, what time do they go to bed at the hotel?
Anyways, I am sorry you have to monitor your posts, after all this is a blog and people do not have to read it if it bothers them so much.
Please continue to post you wonderul tips, ideaa, or whatever. They are often a bright spot in my day.
-Lynne
We do boats and all sorts, we even stayed with my aunt for two weeks in her tiny one bed flat - the girls in the bed with her, baby in our travel cot (she was too little) and us on the floor of the kitchen/ sitting room. The girls loved it! 6 is probably just twice the fun!
We're late night people and we tend to let our kids stay up late as a 'treat' {like at the hotel}. BUT none of our kids are early morning people. The earliest they get up is 7:30ish.
On school nights our normal bedtime is 8:30pm - which some people think is late. That's just what works for our family! :)
Britt
Kids can sleep anywhere - and love it!
Roads trips are lots of fun!
Where in the world are you going that's 2200 miles away?!
Have a great weekend! Loved the trip suggestions!
Love and Prayers,
Tim