I'm So Surprised You All Look So Nice...

These were my Mom's sentiments when seeing us at my Grandad's service.

Ummm, thanks?

We did look pretty nice if I do say so myself.

And she insists the surprise was not due to our regular appearance.

Rather, our lack of luggage.

Yep, let's go with that.

If you've travelled with either of us you know that Jeff and I hate to check a bag.

We did a week in Paris carry-on and never looked back.

I'll admit it got slightly more challenging with children.

When they're too young to carry their own you have to be extra picky with what you bring.

Now that Fiona has a seat though she carried all of her own clothes.

{She also insisted on pulling mine half the time and I put up no argument.}

I was so proud.

We often get shocked reactions like my Mom's above.

It's because of this that I'm sharing my packing with you today.

First up: Fiona

 I may have mentioned before that Fiona will only wear dresses right now.

It would have been a battle if I had packed anything else so she was pretty easy.

She's finally to the age where she can keep clothes clean so one pair of shorts and leggings was enough.

One of my main rules {let's call it #1} is that you can only bring one extra pair of shoes.

Wear your casuals and pack your dressier.

Summer is great because you can get away with one sweater and of course the clothes are smaller.

Next up: Mama

Ok, I broke the one extra pair of shoes rule so that I could run, sue me.

Rule #2 is bring basics in basic colours.

Fortunately this is all I own really.

Rule #3 is stay at a place with an iron {or wear wrinkly clothes, I won't judge}.

Sometimes you just have to roll up your clothes and stuff them in some shoes you know.

If possible, do this with pjs and underwear.

Last allowed piece of carry-on: Daddy

I actually don't even think Jeff wore everything here.

Boys. 

Am I right?

He probably could have packed only socks and underwear and been happy.

{I didn't included any of our skivvies in the pics, you're welcome.}

We also opted for a vest instead of jacket for the formal outfit, much smaller.

Last but not least: Cedric {aka the smuggler}

Since this guy was flying free he had no luggage allowance.

His stuff went mostly in my suitcase, a little in Jeff's and a couple of items in Fiona's.

He pretty much requires a new outfit every day but luckily his stuff is tiny.

I did end up washing one pair of pants in the sink which was not a big deal at all.

I would actually wash my own clothes in the sink to get a second use if we were gone longer.

Rule #4 remember that you can usually buy stuff at your destination.

For example, with the babes, bring only enough diapers for a day or two and buy the rest when you get there.

Car seats and strollers often come up as an issue, don't you have to check those?

Nope, they'll check them at the gate.

Plus, if you have a stroller you often get to go through the express line at security.

But I need to bring a bottle/sippy for my little and can't take that much liquid.

Maybe you can't but the baby can, they'll make an exception.

Don't forget that you can also bring a personal item.

I bring my massive Mama purse and Jeff his backpack.

We always have tons of room left in these, even after we pack the ipad, books and snacks.

But why? you may be asking.

Checking isn't a big deal and I would usually agree.

However, I always know without a doubt where my luggage is.

I also know that it won't get banged up. 

{The scuffs on mine are from the one time I was over the weight limit for carry on and had to check.}

Most importantly I don't have to wait around desperately trying to convince my kids that the baggage carousel does not look like a super fun ride.

And I must admit I really do love when others are shocked that we did it.