Road Trippin' with My Crew: How We (Mostly) Survive Long Drives with Three Little Bees!

Okay, so we just got back from another epic road trip, and ngl, we're a little tired and definitely jet-lagged, but my heart is so full! I wanted to share all my thoughts on how we make these long drives work with Stella, Ozzy, and baby Cherry in tow, bc it's a whole thing hahah. Every time we do one of these, I get so many DMs asking how we do it, how I stay sane, what our secrets are, and honestly, there are no secrets, just a whole lotta trial and error and a minivan that is basically our second home at this point. This last trip was a loooong one, and while we had our moments (hello, meltdowns in the middle of nowhere!), we also made some of the best memories. It’s always a balance, right? The exhaustion is real, but so is the joy of seeing the girls experience new things, even if it’s just a new gas station bathroom hahah.

I remember when it was just Tanner and me, and we’d just hop in the car and go. No real planning, just vibes. Now? Oh, honey, now it’s a military operation. But it’s a fun military operation! I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These trips are so special to me bc my mom always made sure we got to see different places growing up, even when things were tight. She showed me the world, and I want to do the same for my girls. It’s more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about the journey, the conversations, the silly songs, the snacks, the pit stops, and all the little moments in between that you just can’t replicate any other way. It’s where some of our best family stories come from, the ones we’ll be telling for years. And honestly, seeing Stella and Ozzy look out the window, pointing at cows or mountains, and hearing Cherry babble happily in her car seat? Heaven on earth fr. :,)

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks (The Unofficial MVP of Road Trips)

If you know me, you know I love a good snack. And when you’re on the road with kids? Snacks aren't just a love language, they're a survival tool. I'm talking a whole arsenal. We have a dedicated snack bag, sometimes two. And it's not just for the kids, tbh. Tanner and I are just as guilty of needing a little something to munch on to keep our spirits up. My go-to's are always things that aren’t too messy (bc who wants to clean up sticky car seats after a 10-hour drive? Not me!). Think fruit pouches, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, those little cheese sticks, and lots of water. I try to avoid anything with too much sugar right before a long stretch, bc we don't need a sugar rush followed by a crash in a confined space, ya know? We learned that lesson the hard way once hahah. I also love bringing a little cooler with some fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices. It just feels good to have something fresh when you're eating mostly packaged stuff. And don't forget the wipes! You can never have too many wipes. Trust me on that one. Even if you think you have enough, grab another pack. You'll thank me later.

Entertainment Extravaganza (But Also Embrace the Quiet)

Okay, so screens get a bad rap sometimes, but for long road trips? They are a lifesaver. I'm not gonna lie, we definitely lean on the iPads for a good chunk of the drive. It keeps Stella and Ozzy occupied, and honestly, gives Tanner and me a little bit of peace to actually talk or just listen to our music. But it's not *all* screen time. We also bring a ton of other stuff. Coloring books, sticker books, small toys, even just a notebook and some crayons. I love those 'magic' coloring books where the marker only colors on the special paper – zero mess, genius! We also play a lot of car games. 'I Spy' is a classic for a reason, and we make up our own silly songs. Sometimes, though, the best entertainment is just looking out the window. I love hearing Stella point out cows or horses, or Ozzy asking about the clouds. Those moments are gold. It’s a good reminder that not every second needs to be filled with something. Sometimes just being together, watching the world go by, is enough. And for baby Cherry, she just loves looking at her sisters and listening to our chatter. She's a pretty chill traveler, thank goodness! It's all about balance, right? A little bit of everything to keep everyone happy and engaged, but also allowing for those moments of quiet observation.

The Minivan Life: Don't Knock It 'Til You Try It

Okay, I know, I know. The minivan. It’s not the sexiest car on the lot, but when you have three kids? It’s a dream. Tanner was a little hesitant at first, but I just knew. And now? He’s a minivan convert. We have so much space! It’s amazing. We can fit all our luggage, the stroller, the snack bags, the entertainment bags, and still have room for the girls to spread out a little. The sliding doors are a lifesaver in tight parking lots, and honestly, the sheer amount of cup holders and storage compartments is just *chef’s kiss*. I used to think I'd never be a minivan mom, but here I am, living my best minivan life, and I wouldn't trade it. It makes these long drives so much more comfortable for everyone, and that alone is worth it. It’s not just a car; it’s our mobile command center, our dining room, our entertainment hub, and sometimes, our quiet escape. It’s where we have impromptu dance parties and where we share secrets. It’s where we make memories, and I love that about it. Plus, it’s just so practical. When you’re juggling car seats and diaper bags and snacks, practicality wins every single time. Against Tanner's will at first, but idc, I was right hahah.

Flexibility is Your Freakin' Best Friend

This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years. You can plan all you want, but with kids, things are going to go off script. Someone will need to pee five minutes after you just stopped. Someone will decide they're hungry right after you said no more snacks. Someone will have a meltdown over a dropped toy. It happens. And if you try to stick to a rigid schedule, you're just going to stress yourself out. So, my advice? Be flexible. Build in extra time for stops. Don't try to cram too much into one day. If a scenic overlook looks cool, pull over! If the kids are getting antsy, find a park or a rest stop where they can run around for a bit. We’ve definitely had trips where we thought we’d make it to a certain city, and then we just didn’t, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t always just the destination; it’s the journey. And sometimes, the unexpected detours are the best parts. It’s about being present and rolling with the punches. It’s about remembering that these little humans are still learning and growing, and their needs are going to dictate a lot of what happens. So, take a deep breath, adjust your expectations, and just enjoy the ride. It’ll be messy, it’ll be loud, but it’ll also be full of love and laughter. :,)

Remember the 'Why': Making Memories That Last

At the end of the day, when I'm tired and covered in cracker crumbs and wondering if I'll ever get a full night's sleep again, I remember why we do this. We do it for the memories. We do it to show our girls the world, one road trip at a time. We do it to spend uninterrupted time together as a family, away from the distractions of everyday life. These trips, even the challenging ones, are building blocks for their childhoods. They’re learning about resilience, about patience, about seeing new things, and about the incredible bond we share as a family. I love seeing Stella and Ozzy get excited about a new hotel pool or a new restaurant. I love seeing their little faces light up when we arrive at our destination. It’s all worth it. Every single long mile, every snack negotiation, every unexpected stop. It’s all part of our story, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So next time you’re planning a road trip with your little ones, just remember to pack the snacks, embrace the minivan, be flexible, and most importantly, soak in every single moment. Bc these days are fleeting, and these memories? They last a lifetime. I love you guys sm! Happy travels! ❤