It’s no secret that my wife and I live hundreds of miles away from our respective families and I am sure that we’re not in the minority.
For us, and those of you in that same (cramped up and horrific smelling) boat, December might mean ‘life on the road’.

So far this month, we’ve driven 30 hours and 1,800 miles to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, 6 hours and 400 miles to have Christmas with my family, and just last week we tacked on another 12 hours and 650 miles to see my wife’s family in Atlanta – with another 650 mile return trip staring us in the face at the end of the year.
We’re no strangers to having to travel in December, however, each year brings with it new challenges as we increase the size of our traveling circus.
Each one of my kids has their own different personal needs at their respective ages, especially when you’re in the car for 12 hours. They all need their favorite stuffed animal, special swath of fabric, latest iPad app, special drink, and a bathroom break every hour (sometimes less). Plus, my wife has mastered the “car box” for the kids… special boxes that she makes for each of them in which she puts small, inexpensive items to amuse them throughout our (exhaustive) treks.
As parents, my wife and I also have our own VERY DIFFERENT list of things that we need (mostly for the children), that make life on the road more convenient. Things like a car caddy filled with diapers, wipes, ointments and prescriptions, a plastic convenience bag to toss to the kids in the event they get carsick, a laptop hotspot to turn the truck into what my wife’s staff dubs “campaign headquarters,” plus a jumperoo or convertible playard.
The last few weeks and, more specifically, days have been filled with family get-togethers featuring some amazing holiday food favorites. It’s always fun to hover around the appetizer table and catch up with your in-laws and cousins.
I’ve ALMOST had my fill of roasted tenderloins, stuffed peppers, crab dip and peeled shrimp and it’s not even Christmas yet – the best food is yet to come!
This year will be Mason’s first Christmas and since it’s been almost 3½ years since Charlie was born, I tend to forget that each year, more and more new toys aimed at our little ones continue to be created and debuted around this time.
One of the main reasons that I partnered with Fisher-Price as an FP Insider was because of their presence in my own life as a baby and toddler – PLUS, they’ve always made a great product.
Of all the presents that Mason has gotten for Christmas so far, most of them have been from Fisher-Price and NONE of them have been duplicates – mind blown.
He’s gotten the Musical Lion Walker, Laugh & Learn Learning Camera, Spin ‘n’ Spill Cement Truck and Interactive Baby Grand Piano and it’s rumored that Santa might also have something in his sleigh that will manage to make it’s way under the tree 😉
These are all incredible toys for babies and toddlers – incorporating shapes, colors, sounds and activities to help your little one develop those early motor skills, as well as keep them active and engaged.
As we inch closer and closer towards Christmas Day, my wife and I are in full swing with wrapping up those last minute gifts and trying to find a minute here and there to just sit back and enjoy little moments with our kids around the tree.
It’s not an easy thing to do with three little ones…

…but one of our saving graces has been that Fisher-Price Playard that I was talking about earlier.
In the past, we’ve used a Pack-n-Play, but with the Playard’s (released this month, December 2014) new, compact design – it fits into our travel scenario (and truck) with greater ease.
We’ve enjoyed this so much, that I’ve decided to share the wealth with one of you guys.
Enter below for a chance to be one of the first few to give one of these a whirl – and for an extra entry in the raffle – let us know what your ‘must have’ items are for a road trip with your kids!
Wherever you and your family might be this holiday season, Fisher-Price and Dad or Alive would like to wish you the very merriest – happiness and health to all and we look forward to seeing you in 2015!
lilgoodson21@yahoo.com I’ve gotta have a tablet with downloaded movies! Also I need lots of snacks, a travel bed, nightlight and my son’s favorite toys!
I always have to bring lots of snacks, blankies, and my son’s tablet helps too!
My email is sluyando91@gmail.com, I have never used this comment system before!
Diapers, lovies, her balls and her paci!
My wife is ready to pop with our first little Dream Killer and we could definitely use this…
For my toddler it has been a tablet and portable dvd player.
we love our vtech for the videos and games.
A tablet and lots of snacks!!
snacks and games and toys to keep them busy
Snacks and Movies
Snacks and toys