Seeking suggestions

While I’m no stranger to moving, we haven’t actually done it that much, relatively. This is the first time we will have multiple kids to entertain for a long road trip. From Colorado to California we had one toddler, which was pretty easy. We took our time, took lots of stops ... and really, 2 on one parenting seems like a breeze now looking back. We did have the excitement of 2 cats and a dog for a total of 22 hours in the car, and my car did get broken into in Las Vegas. But, all in all, it was pretty easy to entertain and occupy our only child.

California to Texas wasn’t necessarily easy; my mom and I flew with 2 babies under 12 months and Austin had to occupy the oldest minion along with our one cat and dog. But, at that point only one of the kids had emotional ties to our old home and occupying 2 babies on a plane for 6 hours sounds a lot easier than 2 toddlers in a car for 16.

So, all that is to say, I’m entering new territory for us and I’ll welcome any tips and tricks. It’s shaping up to look like I’ll have an empty house with 3 kids for 2 weeks by myself before we start the road trip. When we leave here William will have just closed out a semester at the school he hoped to never leave and he will have just said bye to his best friends. Charles and Loretta will have said bye to what has essentially been like a Third parent when we leave our nanny, and while they may not grasp the weight of that I will and there won’t be a shortage of tears. I’m hoping to make it a fun road trip, despite all of that, and I’d like to make it to the other side without dumping a kid on the roadside. :)  We haven’t nailed down arrangements entirely, but it looks like I’ll have the kids and dog for the first 8 hours, then we’ll meet Austin halfway and he’ll take a kid (or 3) in his truck the rest of the way.

 I have some ideas to help make it easier and more enjoyable for everyone, but I’d welcome any more anyone may have! I know many moms and dads have navigated tougher transitions with grace and ease, so I’m hoping you’re willing to share your expertise :) I’ve gotten a few great suggestions already and im hoping to incorporate as much as I can! When it comes to getting them excited and easing the pain in their hearts, I can’t do too much. So, flood my phone/email with ideas and one day I’ll pay it forward.