How we pack our trailer for transport

This is how I pack up our trailer for when we are in transit.  This is just how I do it, if you have a great idea please let me know!

We have a 22ft trailer.   Our space inside is a hot commodity and we try to use our space as best we can.

 This is our trailer all set up when we first got there.

 We usually keep a bag for trash inside and a bag tied up high outside (usually on the awning).  Cale is taking out the mat and shaking all the dirt off of it.  So we could then sweep it out before we pull out.

 We use the sink to hold things that usually are on the counter.  Some of things in there were still wet from being washed, so normally the bowls and cups wouldn't be in the sink - but more electronic items that I like to have access too easily.

 We haven't put our table up in a LONG time - usually there is a picnic table, we sit outside in our camp chairs or we just sit on the beds and eat.  So under the table bed (as we call it) we keep a case of water, my husbands seltzer water cans, and there is a small heater stuffed in there.  In the cabinets on either end of the bed we have the crockpot, my small air fryer, the electric skillet, and citronella candles - in one.  In the other we have board games, a basket of small toys and a box of legos for Cale.

 We leave the tv on the bed because it's not hooked up to anything on the wall because we like "outdoor" movies when we are camping.  It NEVER slides around and is always where we left it when we open it back up when we get where we are going.  Above the bed we keep a tote full of charger cords and boxes, I keep a couple extra hats and extra set of sheets.

 On the table bed we keep the extra blankets and pillows that the kids use.

 We don't use the shower because the places we stay usually have a bathhouse that has never ending hot water, and no issue if we want to take a 30 minute shower.  So we use the shower to hold things.  All the camping chairs, pool floats and our bag that we take with all the sunscreen, bug spray, goggles and towels in.

 We also use the toilet to hold things.  The table fits right next to it perfectly and the cooler slides right in and wedges in between the toilet and the bathroom storage cabinet. Above this we have a big "wardrobe" that we keep a bin with swim suits, towels and a laundry basket where dirty clothes are tossed when they are done for the day.  I just take the basket right out when we make it back home.

This is my biggest tip.  I ALWAYS make sure that the fridge and freezer is securely shut.  The kids don't usually push it hard enough to close all the way.  When we took it out over memorial day weekend one of the kids was the last one in the fridge and we found it open when we got to the campground and a few things fell out.  I have had a jar of salsa fall and break before.  So I'm a little OCD when it comes to the fridge I will find my self checking it 3-4 times before we hook it up and lock the door.

I got this wagon for my birthday 2 years ago and it goes EVERYWHERE with us. It's so dang handy.  If you have been on the fence on getting one, pull the trigger! So worth it!

My wagon lives here when we are traveling and sometimes when we are inside.  It fits perfectly.

 Once we have everything put in and safe, we back the truck up and hook it up.

 If we aren't hooked up to a full service site (sometimes they only have water/electric available) we have to go and dump the tanks.  In this back storage compartment - we keep our bug spray - invest in the BIG jug - you'll need it for your camp site - GUARANTEE IT! We also keep a bag of disposable gloves for when we dump tanks - no one wants black water on them.

 We hook up to the tanks and pull the black tank lever first (this is waste from your toilet).  It CAN be stinky - especially if you are in a hot climate.  We hold down the nozzle end so we don't accidentally get sprayed if it doesn't stay in the same position.  Once we hear the rush of liquid slow down we go to the top of the tub and move water that may have settled in the crooks of the tube to make sure it makes it's way down into the disposal tanks.

 You should NEVER dump your grey water before your black water.  Use your grey water (it's just the water from the sinks) to rinse out your hose after the black water has flowed through.

Once that is done you can continue on to your next destination.  I hope this helps SOMEONE that is just starting out and needs some ideas.  Once you start finding every usable nook and cranny other ideas will just pop up!!

 

LEGOLand Florida - Day 2 {Water Park}

DAY TWO!!  This day we decided to ONLY do the waterpark and spend most of our day in there.  We got to the park at about 915 in the morning. 

 Able to get a picture without a lot of people in the background.

The wagon was FULL this day.  I had to bring the swim bag.  Normally this flower bag stays fully packed and all we have to do is add towels and swim suits.  I forgot to check for goggles.  So I ended up having to purchase some to the tune of $37 in the gift shop (ouch!) but now they have extra pairs in the bag.  The goggles that are normally in there must be hanging out in the trailer somewhere!

 LEGOLAND is very eco friendly.  They had recycle bins right next to the trashcans to encourage people to do the right thing.  If something was made from recycled material they let you know!  It took 800 milk jugs to make this bench!

 Waterpark opened 30 minutes after the main park.  Cale wanted to ride the VR game for a 3rd time so they stopped there and we got in line (head of the line baby!) for the waterpark.

 Kennedie and me stopped and purchased two more blind bags for them to trade.  She opened this one and didn't want to give it up! She didn't trade this one!

 What Cale opened in his blind bag.

 Finally got through the gate and went to the entrance!

 We dashed straight for the chairs and found a place in the shade with a good view of everything going on.

 Not a lot of people rushed the gates so we were able to get really good seats!

We even had a picnic table RIGHT in front of us!  It was awesome!

  This is why we opted to bring our own food in!  I am NOT paying $11 for two small tacos (because I saw people walk away with them and they weren't anything spectacular)  on the waterpark day we brought in stuff to make sandwiches.

 Wave pool

 This was as we were leaving around 4 it filled up quite a bit.  As you can see the clouds were rolling in, we did get sprinkled on a little bit and used the stadium blanket to cover the wagon as we left the park.

 Cale spent a lot of his time at this boat race water table.  If he wasn't in the wave pool or in the lazy river with one of us he was here!

 Leaving the water park.

 The lazy river as we were leaving.  They have lego bricks floating along with you, and some of the rafts have little building pads to build on as you float.

 Little kid wading pool

 When we first got to the waterpark Cale found someone with ballerina fairy batman.  He'd been looking for it for his sister all weekend.  She didn't want to trade him the firecracker guy so he ended up trading this again.

 In the center of the main park they had a shaded area for little kids with duplo blocks in it.

 Stopped and got a funnel cake.  This was he only food we actually purchased at LEGOLAND while we were in the park all weekend.

 Kennedie collects pressed pennies so we stopped and got one on our way out.

 Cale traded one last time with the guy that was guarding the hotel entrance.

LEGOland Florida!!! Day 1

For the past 6 weeks I have been planning a secret LEGOLAND Florida trip!  We stopped telling Cale that we were going on vacations.  He will NOT stop asking how many days are left, or obsessing what we are going to do there.  So we saved ourselves our own sanity and just don't tell him.

We picked Cale up at school Friday afternoon and went to get Kennedie about 45 minutes early.  They still had no idea what was going on.  We Basically said "Get in loser, we are going on an adventure" to them.  Stopped in Ocala for dinner and drove the rest of the way into Winter Haven after dinner (about an hour and a half).  We arrived at the motel at about 10.

I made us all matching shirts to celebrate the Brick or Treat celebration at LEGOLAND! We got lots of compliments!  I loved seeing everyones group shirts, a few people had the same skeltons but they were on orange shirts and had black skeletons!

Finally on the road.  Tim drove the first part of the trip until dinner.

Still no clue!  Tim is notorious for ruining surprises.  Thankfully this time he was tight lipped!

He got bored - I told him to take a nap and we would get there quicker.  He finally gave in and dozed off!  He said it was because he was "comfy, cozy in my hoodie"

Our motel room.  Just very basic.  I wish the housekeeping staff was better than they were, but you get what you pay for.

The pool area wasn't too bad.

This was "breakfast" it was juice, cereal, yogurt and a waffle station.  Cale was good to go with the waffle station.  I ended up going to Walmart that night to get some breakfast stuff for the rest of us.

Putting on sunscreen before our first day at the park!

We paid for the $17 parking. 

We got there about 30 minutes before it opened.  So we got pretty close parking.  These solar panels made shade for the preferred parking.  I love how they use everything to their advantage while taking care of the planet.

They are very eco friendly and I loved that!

Got our bags searched and we were ready to wait in the line!

But first this great pumpkin!!!!

So excited!!!!!

Entrance to the gates.

I am so thankful that they had a bathroom outside of the gates.  I think that LEGOLAND really wants to take care of their customers!

As we were waiting in line.  We weren't that far from the beginning and they came and checked your tickets before the gates opened and stamped your hand so when it was 10am they opened the gates and checked your hand and you were in.  I loved the efficiency of it.

I LOVE all the holiday stuff.

Our plan (after reading endless blogs) was to start in the back of the park and work our way forward.  I had to make everyone stop and take a picture here!

Cale got side tracked and wanted to do the VR roller coaster.  In the lines they have areas for kids to play and keep the boredom monster away.

In line for the VR rollercoaster.

Kennedie was hesitant to do any roller coasters but she was willing to do this one with her brother.

I love my wagon, I facebook messaged LEGOLAND and asked if wagons were ok (only strollers were addressed) because I didn't want to have to carry all our stuff around the park.  Thankfully they said "yes they are totally welcome!"  LEGOLAND also lets you bring in snacks to the park (they said no full lunches) - so I filled our soft sided cooler with snacks and a few waters.

If you bring a mini figure with you the staff will trade with you.  Cale traded with almost everyone that he met!  Here he is getting a golden knight.

Brick pony - it came to life and the engine made sounds.  It was awesome!

Cale loves the Ninjago series

I mean these statues are amazing!!!! I couldn't imagine all the time and work that went into these!

Cale and L-Loyd!

On the Ninjago ride

I read that there were free water refill station around the park, but I couldn't figure out where.  I brought empty water bottles JUST for the water.  Found out it was at these "refresh and refill" places.  There were soda machines inside that had a water button on the main screen.  I also refilled our cooler bag's ice packs from the ice in the machine.  I ended up buying the refillable brick or treat cup and got free refills that day, and the next day you paid $6.99.

Kennedie finally was convinced to ride a coaster.  We sat at the exit of the ride waiting for them.

I bought a Hormel party tray and bagged it up before we left on Friday.  It looked like snacks to the employees but it was our lunch.  I'm still doing keto so I was able to eat everything but the crackers.  It was great, we found a picnic table in the shade and sat and ate and rested for about 45 minutes before the show we wanted to watch was going to open it's gates.

At the "candy coated curse"

I brought our 31 stadium blanket with us.  It is fleece on one side and nylon on the other.  When we needed to sit on the ground we used it.  We also covered the wagon with it when it had started to sprinkle.

Kids rocked out with Frankenstein and go their picture with him!!

Finally the brick or treat trail opened up for the ticket holders (season pass holders got to go in an hour earlier)

There was so much attention to detail.

I remembered to grab some cloth grocery bags for trick or treating but they offered these little bags to those that didn't bring anything.

I want everything at our house!! How cute!!

Another pumpkin patch along the trail.

They passed out full size everything!  Even if it was just candy it was a handful!!

All their creations are awesome!!

At the end of the trail they gave out clif bars, in a LEGO COFFIN!

We decided at around 4 we had had enough so we headed back to the motel.  Cale said he couldn't feel his feet anymore and wanted a ride!

Normally we have to beg this dude to go to bed.  Nope he put himself to sleep that night!

Day 2 is the waterpark!!!