Last week we took our first holiday with Little E. Our destination was Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. Less than 90 minutes door to door. A change of scenery was certainly what the doctor ordered, if we actually made it there……
We were holidaying with my Dad, my two brothers and (future) sister in law. The rendezvous point was to be my Dad’s house at 10:30am Monday morning, as arranged by me, the holiday control freak organiser.
We had only Sunday to wash and pack due to my jaunt down south. I was supposed to be home by 4pm on the Sunday but thanks to Northern Rail my train was mysteriously delayed for like ever (sorry, was channelling Paris Hilton there) and I didn’t get home until almost 6pm. Gah!
A Chinese takeaway was hastily ordered and the ransacking packing began. We’ve always been last minute packers. Never learned our lesson. Probably never will. Just to make things a little trickier our geriatric tumble drier decided it had had enough mid load. Aaaaarrrrrgggh! We set about trying to dry clothes in a tumble drier only blowing cold air and randomly draped what would fit over clothes airers and radiators. I was most perturbed indeed at having to put the central heating on, skin flint that I am! Eventually we collapsed into bed (after much swearing and bickering) at 4:15am, the house littered with damp clothes, toys and takeaway cartons.
We allowed ourselves to ‘sleep’ ’til 7am then started the whole panicking packing process again. G got up and fed Big & Little E while I swore a lot packed, unpacked and re-packed. Sainsbury’s delivered our food shopping for the week. G packed all Little E’s baby equipment and Big E’s toys then packed the car.
Packing for holiday when it was us and Big E was like mobilising a small army, packing for us and two children, well, lets just say it had taken on biblical proportions. We arrived at my Dad’s (who only lives 5 minutes away) a whole hour late.
Punctuality fail.
The rest of the journey was smooth. We arrived in time for lunch, and got unpacked in the blink of an eye. Since Big E was in the midst of potty training he wore a ‘pull up’ for the journey. Once we were in the villa he asked to use the potty.
“G can you get me the potty?” I asked.
“The potty?” enquired G.
“Yes, you know, the blue plastic thing with Thomas on the front, often smells of wee,” explained I sarcastically.
“I haven’t seen it,” said G.
“Well I asked you umpteen times to put it in the car,” growled I.
“I forgot,” said G, sheepishly.
“Aaaaaarrrrgggghhh!” screamed I.
Packing fail.
Turns out we had also forgotten the bumper bar for the pram and a swimming towel for Big E.
I implore you, people of the blogosphere. Do not pack as I pack. Organise, list, plan and save yourself from the jaws of a nervous breakdown!
Despite our obvious failures in the packing department, thankfully, a fantastic holiday was had by all. I might blog about it, if I can manage to organise my time……
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I am a terrible packer … Last Minute Laura they call me.
I have discovered though with 2 small children whether you are going overnigth or for a week the baggage is exactly the same!
Actually the thought of packing for five children puts me completely off even going away anymore. I'm such a last minute packer too.
And you were only an hour over schedule? The children and I would sit in the car for an hour whilst Husband checked and double checked everything.
Glad you had a great holiday though,and the weather must have been good for you.
I always always pack at the last minute, but I've travelled a lot, so now I'm pretty good at it. I still forget lots of stuff, but I try to be zen about it.
Oh, just thinking about packing gives me a headache…. Seriously stressful! It sounds like you had a fab time once you got on the way though. I am stopping over via Angie's 7 clown circus today. Nice to meet you!
Ah – the lists matter not – i am a chronic list maker and last minuite packer – but even if i pack early – something will be left behind. usually the most vital something. most noteably when travelling with baby1 as baby forgetting the baby sling for the aeroplane – massive panic at airport to construct sling out of items bought at airport newsagency and gift shop (toddler harness and scarves)- the rest of the holiday (meant to be relaxing beach escape) was punctuated by trip to find elusive sling to get baby safely back to home – swear all the shops were hiding them when they saw us coming – ended up hiring a car and driving 2 hours with screaming baby to a mall in sheer desperation…
) Sorry for long comment.
I still make lists, try to pack ahead of time and always, always the important toy/medication/sleeping bag will be forgotten usally at the most obvious place such as in front of the front door…
I may not be genetically designed for travel…
(and I love your blog btw