This week we (Lissi and Joy) discuss the huge undertaking of packing and traveling for a long summer trip.  Joy discusses all the tips and tricks she has collected over years of trekking across the country in a van full of people, suitcases, and gear.  We also discuss the challenges that come from packing for five weeks, entertaining kids in the car for 30 hours, and moving from place to place every five to seven days, all while maintaining her sanity. Also discussed: Pools (yes? no?), ticks (scourges of the earth), and summer camp. Takeaway questions include: Do you have any tips for taking a long car trip with your kids?  Any tips for packing up a family for a looooong trip away? Are you able to leave a clean house when you go?  (Joy wants to know HOW!?) Do you have a pool?  Do you love it or hate it? Do you have a Trader Joes?  More importantly, how do we get Trader Joes to come to our town?? Join in the conversation on instagram @regularcoolmom and comment there. Or join the Facebook Group: Regular Cool Mom and chime in. We can’t wait to hear from you! Thanks for listening and H.A.G.S.