Having three kids ages 10, 8, and 4, I honestly feel like it has gotten so much easier to get the "crew" out the door than it used to be. No more diapers, strollers, and nonnegotiable nap times to wrangle with on a daily basis. There are however few trick of the trade that still help me survive outings and travel without repeated musings of boredom. Here are some of my tried an true tips!

First of all, organization is key!! Even with kids my age, if we're going somewhere for more than a quick run in and out I find it is always a good idea to have a drink and snack handy for all. While I'm past the sippy cup stage, each of my kids has their own Tervis Tumbler that is my go to for spill proof drinks on the go. Tumblers? Check. Snacks? Check. Next...

Technology!! So the car is my last place where I get to listen to what I want to listen to, so with that rule in place, I find it gives me a few minutes of peace in the car to allow tablet time playing games or listening to their music on ear phones. So whatever your kids' technology crack is, bring it on!!!

Next up, if we're going on a road trip it is of great importance that you not only plan for the "on the way fun" but also for "on the way back home fun"!!! The latter is almost more important because there is no excitement when the vacation is over and you're on the way back to reality!!! So free coloring printables, a new pack of markers/and or crayons, some books, dollar bin crafts, and sticker books go a long way - especially when the "on the way home" stash has been hidden and not brought out until just the right moment when the "when are we going to get there's????" start rolling in!!

Last but not least - WIPES!! Diapers or no diapers. I don't think I could survive a single day of parenting without wipes!! They clean up the biggest of messes and even do a pretty great job of make-up removal at the end of the day.....

No matter what ages your kids are, getting out the door and to your final destination complaint free is a job.... Be organized. Be prepared. You might just be sane when you get there....