Hiya. We've just revamped our travel pouch for Lou, and I thought I'd share what we're working with. We eat out a fair amount, and, I think like most families, have lots of other opportunities where it'd be great if Lou had an activity to do while we wait at all the various places you have to wait in life. I love this clear teal pouch, which I chose because it slides neatly and easily into my purse, and everything seen here packs up neatly into the pouch.

Semi-DIY compact activities for kid's busy pouch

So we'll keep this short and sweet (ha! like I'm ever short), but here's what we've go in there.

1. Our Year Calendar. This small calendar came to us after we made a contribution, and I took it over to create a fun calendar we can look at and use to keep track of time and major events. I'm super thrilled with it, and I'll actually share details in another post, but there's item one.

2. Wipes. I think that's self-explanatory. One of the awesomest things about having your child grow up is watching the amount of crap you need to lug around shrink accordingly. But wipes are still indispensable, so they come along.

3. Travel Activity Sheets Kit. This is a pretty hackneyed job, but we got this little kit for Christmas, and it was hours of intense entertainment for Lou. The little markers and self-contained-ness of the whole thing just really tickled Lou (she's her mama's daughter, no doubt) and each page had actual activities that she was into completing. So when we went through all of the sheets, I went online, found some free Frozen printables (which Disney distributed in advance of the movie, and appear to be licensed and legit), and shrunk them, using Publisher, to three per page. Then, using a remaining original sheet as a template, I punched some holes and put them into the kit. I wouldn't have expended the effort - it was a mild pain - but again, hours of intense entertainment, and the size is right.

4. DIY Fractions Bag. This is completely self-explanatory, but we made a small fractions bag not too long ago, and it's a big hit. Plus it's lightweight and a fun thing to explore while, say, you're waiting for your pizza.

5. Kid's Money Kit. We're working a lot on money, thanks in part to Lou Lou's Friendly Market, so I packed up some coins and a dollar into this wee tin. Yes, I actually washed the coins first. I'm a total germaphobe, and this is for use before we eat.

6. Colored Pencils. For drawing. And writing. Crayons, markers also options.

7. Sight Words. We have some homemade sight words we use for home reading lessons (which I don't want to overstate the frequency of), but it's nice to have these pre-made ones, which I think came from the dollar store a year or two ago, and be able to whip them out for a little practice.

And of course, sometimes, we just talk. Like a family. Or all tune into various electronic devices. Like a family. But I'm never sorry I have this pouch on me. What do you guys do when you take your kids out? Share the wisdom. See you tomorrow!