Things nightmares are made of.

Since my schedule the next couple of weeks is crazy, I've started the packing. To some, my packing list would be the cause of nightmares, but with three little ones in tow, it is hard to downsize too much.

So, what is on my list? There is your typical clothing and hygiene stuff, goofy looking rash guards for the boys and Kevin to make sure they don't have sunburned shoulders, adorable dress up clothes for the boys on Elegant Nights, a 40+ year old dinner jacket for Kevin, too many shoes for all of us, a few books and favorite toys, and then the baby gear.

Ah, the baby gear. And how to maneuver the baby gear. For starters, it will be stowed in a suitcase that will not explode outside the hotel! (Hawaii WAS fun!) And I do plan to buy some of the stuff in Miami on our Wally World Excursion, but there is still stuff from home that my sweet Rusty will need. Should I scare you all by listing a bit of it here? I think I shall:

1. Peapod Tent/Bed: This is our solution to a crib being too big and taking up too much room in our cabin on the boat. It is small enough to pack into a suitcase and about 10 times lighter than our pack-n-play.

2. Two umbrella type strollers: The only reason to take two is to keep tabs on Billy as we move through the airports. I doubt he'll have patience for one at any other time!

3. Car seats: I just couldn't NOT have them, I decided. I will check Rusty's and Ricky's booster (since it will easily fit in the car seat bag, along with coats and such), but we plan to take Billy's onto the plane with us. We think he'll be better behaved strapped in like he is used to and might even fall asleep for us. This necessitated number 4.

4. Car Seat Travel Accessory: Envisioning ourselves moving as easily as possible through the airport, we knew we'd need something to help with Billy's car seat, so I got this. You just strap the car seat to a pilot-type bag and pull it along with you. It even suggests putting your child in it like a stroller, but I'm not sold on that one yet! I'll have to think about that though ... it would cut down on a stroller.

5. Baby Garb: Bottles, little spoons, sippy cup, disposable bibs, extra pacifier, baby medicine cabinet stuff, musical toy for bed time, familiar blanket, lovey, diapers, swim diapers, wipes (although I will buy most of the latter ones in port), and the kitchen sink.

6. Small inflatable pool: It isn't very big, but it is enough to entertain at least Rusty and Billy for a while. They aren't allowed in the regular pool on the boat since they aren't potty trained, but this can be filled by the pool and they can splash as they please. Shoot, it might even fit in our shower so they can have a bath!

7. Portable DVD Player: This one is still optional, but not really. We'll have Kevin's laptop for movies while on the boat, but will its battery life be enough for the plane? So, since we have everything else ...

When we enter the airport in two weeks and two days, with our luggage and carry-ons and children, please don't gawk at how many bags we have. Instead, be impressed with how compactly we managed to pack so much junk!