A Road Trip Survival Kit to keep you sane on the road!
The last month or so I’ve been pretty preoccupied. My little sister left Sunday morning and is currently on her way to Virginia where her husband will start a veterinary program in the Fall. I’ve been trying not to think about it which hasn’t worked out too well. It’s been very difficult to prepare myself and my children for this good-bye.
I’ve told myself how wonderful this will be for them, how exciting, a new adventure, and a hundred other things meant to comfort me and to keep me from feeling so sad. Right now, I’m feeling very thankful for Skype 🙂 We’ve promised to set up weekly sessions so the boys will still feel close to her.
My little sister means the world to me. She is 8 years younger than I am and has always been such a bright light in my life. We’ve always lived close to each other and have been very involved in each other’s life. She loves her nephews and plays with them the way only a young aunt can. I have always been so very close to her. I can remember rocking her to sleep each night when she was a little baby and then as a little girl. She has always been a fun outlet in my life and it’s a hole that will not easily be filled.
I’ve been spending as much time as I could with her before she left. Saturday we packed up her car and spent the day with our other sister – just enjoying each other’s company. I wanted to make sure she and her husband were well taken care of on their four day road trip and picked up some goodies they could enjoy on the road. I put everything in a collapsible cooler so it would take up less and less space as they used up what was inside. (I picked up this super cute cooler at Target.)
I included a bunch of her favorites pistachios, Starbucks, Inca Kola, MIO Energy, and some magazines to help pass the time.
Ashley and her husband are on the road again today and it gives me a little comfort knowing that at least they have some yummy snacks to enjoy on the way! Ashley told me their first day of travel (Sunday) they didn’t even stop for breakfast or lunch because they had granola, energy bars, Starbucks – everything to keep them going! That’s what I like to hear!
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Lucy says
Great it helped but you need to add more to make it more exciting
Katrina says
This is a truly amazing post! I’ve been on a ton of road trips and was looking for other ideas. Thanks for this 🙂
Laura says
what a great sister! this warms my heart reading that you would do this amazing package to her! 🙂
Baylee says
Where did you get the adorable collapsible cooler?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Target! I haven’t seen them since but maybe when Spring rolls around? Thanks for stopping by Baylee!
Missi Smith says
Visiting from Serenity You. What a wonderful idea! You are an amazing sister! My sister and I have lived apart for 15 years now and there is not a week that goes by that she doesn’t ask me when I am coming “home”.
A Lived in Home says
What a great idea! So creative! I would love for you to come link up your blog to my Get social Sunday link party!
http://alivedinhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/get-social-sunday.html
Melissa Lind says
Such a sweet post ( and a good idea). I lost my only sister a coupe of years ago, so this made me tear up just a little. 😀
Melissa L.
I signed up to be a follower on your blog, and I would love and apprecaite you to become a follower on mine! http://www.mywatermelonmoon.com
Cheerios and Lattes says
Trish, Seriously Inca Kola!? Thanks awesome! 🙂 haha Have you been to South America or you just really like it? My husband grew up in S.A. and I spent a lot of time there also. Anyway, saw this on a linky and loved the idea, love that it’s you, and love that you had Inca Kola! 🙂 haha
Have a great weekend,
Mackenzie 🙂
Mindy Harris says
saw this linked up on gingerbread’s blog. such an awesome idear. now i’m absolutely following your blog thru GFC. have you ever been to mine before? it’s http://www.marigoldroad.com. trying to get to 1,000 followers. i have been bloggin almost FIVE years. so i am a veteran of sorts. Ha!
The Stuff of Success says
Now that is my kind of survival Kit! Love it. Can’t live without the Starbucks!
Liz says
Love this idea! I love the collapsible cooler because when all the treats are gone, you don’t have to make room for a bulky cooler or basket!
Shooting Stars Mag says
This is such a cute gift. I love the idea of putting it in a collapsible cooler. How fun!! I hope your sister’s travel went well and i’m sorry she’s moving away. I can’t imagine “losing” my sister.
Lauren from All Grown Up Parties
Tulip TrueAim says
What a great gift! You’re a great sister. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says
care package on the go! great idea!
Hani@Craftionary says
wow.. So many great ideas to help pass the time.. Thanks for linking up at Friday Fun Party. Have a nice weekend!
Crafty Mischief says
This is great! What a sweet sister you are! 🙂
kstroess says
I have a sister in VA too! I miss her all the time!! Skype is key, and we’ve found random texts during the days have kept our friendship hilariously in tact 🙂 Love the cooler idea… I’ve stocked her w magazines before– next trip I’ll hook her up even more!
Happy I found you on Pinterest!
Jess from Coxs Corner says
That is such a neat gift! I should totally do something similar for my sister. I’m gonna have to pin this for later! I’m also happy to be your newest follower!
Charlene@APinchofJoy says
What a thoughtful gift and thank goodness for Skype!
Jenn Lifford says
Awe, such a sweet post! I wish I had a sister. I’m sure you will manage to stay as close as ever even though she will not be living close by. What a fabulous little gift to send her off with! Thanks for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible!
Debi says
I love this. I have a Blog Hop, and I would love it if you would link this post. You can find it at
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/07/3-face-masks-from-your-kitchen-and.html
It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Paula Parrish says
Ahhhh, you and your sister are so blessed to have each other in your lives. It is nice that you and your sister can stay in touch on Skype. Your road trip survival kit is a great gift. Thanks for sharing.
Smiles, Paula
Emily says
I feel like I’m reading my own story. My sister may be getting a new job and while I’m super excited for her. She’s my best friend ( only 2 years apart) and my girls love her. She’ll only be 5 hours away but that’s too far for a quick visit, a movie or a dinner 🙁 I guess us big sister have to be strong.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
My heart goes out to you! I’m guessing we’ll adjust over time but it sure is going to be difficult. Be thankful you can drive to see her though if you need to 🙂 Hugs to you!
KCoake says
Awww, what a sweet sister! I’m sure they loved it. I live across country from my family. It kind of stinks a lot of the time, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Skype is great! My kiddos and my nieces love to get on and make lots of silly faces at each other!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s so good to hear! I’m really concerned that my boys are going to lose their connection with my sister. That would make me really sad!
Shiloh says
What a great gift! I love the collapsible cooler idea. I bet you guys had a very special time together.
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Awww Trish. You poor thing. My sister lives a 2 hour drive north of me and I miss being with her. Lucky for the phone and internet. What a great big sis you are for putting that together.
Anne xx
Chrissy Taylor says
Awww, that made me a tear up. Hugs to you, Trish!
Kara at Petals to Picots says
It is so nice to hear you speak so affectionately of your sister. And what a great idea to send her off with 🙂
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says
Awwww. How sweet of you!
MONICA says
Wowww,it is a lovely idea!
Grammy Goodwill says
What a sweet post. I only have 2 brothers, but I’ve always wished I had a sister. I can tell you will really miss her. Your survival bag was a great idea.
Is her hubby going to VaTech’s vet school?