Essentials

As a Swiss Army Wife, it's my job to be prepared for any circumstance and I take my job quite seriously. For those of you who know me well, this isn't a surprise. My purse contains everything from the typical fingernail clippers and checkbook to a less common flashlight and multi-tool.

As a parent, I am trying to teach my children to think ahead. Before leaving the house, I tell them to ask themselves what they might need on a normal day. Then, what they might need if something goes wrong. And what might not be necessary, but would make the trip a little smoother.

We no longer need a diaper bag, but we do still take a few things with us. We call it the travel bag and it's a perfect grab-and-go solution. For us, a backpack works best. It has plenty of space (you know, for when I'm being a little obsessive and want to pack every single thing we own, just in case), is easy to carry and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Our travel bag includes (but is not limited to) a change of clothes for Pookie, sunblock, a travel size first-aid kit, Tylenol (kid and adult varieties), Germ-X, a small packet of wet wipes, half a dozen or so Hot Wheels cars, a few small books, notepaper and pen/pencils, a deck of cards, the odd field guide or identification book (for trees, flowers, birds, insects, frogs, rocks, etc...) and we nearly always toss a handful of granola bars in on our way out the door.

So my question to you, dear readers, is this: What are your essential items?