Before we were able to pack our home and move, we were weekend warriors. My husband had already moved for his new job and I was still home holding down the fort with 2 toddlers. Every weekend I packed my kids in the car and headed north. We wanted to house hunt and spend time as a family. Through these multiple road trips I learned 3 things to keep sane while driving hours in the car with 2 toddlers by myself. 
Snacks: About one hour before hitting the road I would sit the kids down for a meal. Something substantial enough to get their bellies full. Then I would create fun snack mixes for them in their favorite snack bags. I created trail mixes, sweet treats and salty snacks. Hungry toddlers are snack ninjas that change their tastes in snacks often. Due to my little babe still being rear facing and me not being able to see her while she eats, I give her baby snacks. I give her items that are easily dissolved and that have less of a choking hazard. I prep one bottle pre-made and bring a water bottle and preportioned formula for quick responses needed.
Entertainment: Travel friendly activities like sticker books, coloring pages and iPad games that do not require Wi-Fi are best. Luckily my girls have movies that they both love to watch. Sing and The Greatest Showman are their top hits. On our last trip up before the big move we drove a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The spacious interior was loaded with all the tech needs. This time of course, they wanted to watch different movies and I was in luck. The Sienna offers Dual-View Blu-ray Disc™ Entertainment Center and two wireless headphones.
Potty Essentials: Travel with pull ups! If you’re a mom of a toddler then you already know, when they say they’ve gotta go…you have about 7 minutes to make that happen. A rest stop may not be within the timeframe needed. Although my tiny tot has been potty trained for quite a while, I still travel with pull ups. The Sienna is so spacious between the captain seats, we were able to do a diaper change and a pull up addition within a few swift motions while pulled over. I was impressed how much room it had. My tiny tot loved that she could stand up in the center “like a big girl”.
We have made the official move to our new home and no longer are weekend warriors. I will miss these trips though. It was not only a bonding experience with my little ones, but a chance to make memories along the way.
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