If you love traveling, there's also the packing you have to deal with beforehand. Before children, this was part of the fun for me. The anticipation of going away would slowly build up with every list I would make, every item of clothing I would put aside, each travel-sized toiletry I would purchase...

Nowadays (having to pack not just for myself but also for my four little favourites), there's nothing relaxed about preparing for a trip. Essential packing for a weekend with kids has become a piece of organisation that I have to dive in with full focus and let me tell you -- you better not disturb my concentration when I'm at it!

But, over the years, I've become better about knowing exactly what to pack for a weekend away with kids, and I have definitely become a more essential packer. I know what basics we need, and what really is redundant. If not a more relaxed packer, I have definitely become a more efficient one. ; )

Packing for two nights away in springtime in the Netherlands means that weather-wise, it can go all directions. We've had some lovely warm and sunny days recently, but it's still really chilly (cold even!) in the evenings and in the mornings. (And let's face it, there is always the chance of rain in Holland.) So I would have to pack clever -- some summery things, but definitely a few warm and waterproof layers as well.

Here's what I selected for the children:

What to pack for a weekend away with kids:

• Pyjamas that double up as loungewear and also are great pieces to layer with.

• CatsPads. I never travel without them. (I hate cold feet!)

• Pac-a-Macs. For rain and as a windbreaker. I also love them matching so I can easily recognise my kids when I'm traveling in airports or so.

• Warm, woollen jumpers for evenings and early mornings, or just when chilly.

• Underpants x2

• Spare outfit. Coordinating colours so easily mixed and matched. Items like leggings for the girls and knee socks to combine with dresses/shorts are good for in between seasons (and so cute!).

• A big muslin square to use as a towel/scarf/blanket for each of them.

• Swim wear (inflatable water wings for Casper) and sun hats.

• Flip-flops.

• Toiletries (hair brush, ties and clips, toothpaste and brushes, tissues)

• Paper and felt tips.

• Doudou for Pim.

OK, next, my own bag.

Here's what I put out for myself:

• Bikini, sunhat, flip flops.

• Sunscreen (a high factor, for everyone).

• A Turkish beach towel.

• Underwear and nightwear.

• Spare outfit (shorts, T-shirt, dress, leggings).

• A warm, woollen jumper, Pac-a-Mac and CatsPads as above ;).

• Laptop, chargers, a notebook and pens in a big pouch.

• Two small pouches, one with a few toiletries and one with some make-up essentials.

• Another small pouch holding some bandages, mosquito repellent, a mini sewing kit, (nail) scissors and pain killers for me and the kids.

• And another pouch (I love pouches!) with a few mini books, mini dolls, cards and dice (we love playing yathzee!!).

• Phone, wallet and keys

Voila! I put my phone, wallet and keys in the zippered pocket inside, the pouches, my flip-flops, sunscreen and beach towel in the bottom compartment together with the small pouches, and the rest fitted easily in the main part of the bag. (I liked the open side pockets for my underwear -- I hate it when I lose them between the bigger things and have to start digging for them!)

Perfect! All packed and ready to go. I hope I didn't forget anything... ;)

xxx Esther