A Fifth.

A fifth, each Friday.  Five things you cannot leave home with out when traveling with children.

1) Coloring books/colors.

I know you probably thought I would have a DVD player or DS game at the top of the list.  I do not, and I will tell you, those can only go so far, and the kids get tired of them.  But if you are looking for a universal crowd pleaser, than can span from age 2 - 36, look no further than paper, crayons and good old fashioned creativity.

2) Wet wipes. 

Napkins and a bottle of water will do in a pinch (and for this reason, I openly admit I hoard napkins in the car console).  I promise you do not want to test karma and travel with out wet wipes, or napkins.  Take my word on this.  I did it once, and I had a sick kid, that let it all go two hours into a 9 hour trip.  And I had to drive to the nearest Walmart in remote South Dakota, in case you are wondering, that's a LONG drive with the sickness in the car.

3) Food.

Everyone likes food.  Everyone gets happier when they eat food.  Don't travel without it.  We like to travel with these in our family:

Dried Blueberries, Fruit Snacks

4) A blanket.

You might think it's too bulky, you might want to simplify.  Simplify all you want, but take the blanket.  It can be used as a pillow, it can catch things that you don't want spread all over the car, it can be used to change a diaper, it can be used to wipe up something when you have nothing else.  Take the blanket.

5) Ziploc bags.

Gallon sized, a whole box.  Truth be told, you should keep these in your vehicle at all times.  They store things like dry cereal and crayons, and they can be used as a bucket and trash bag, among other things.  I've only in the last few years come to know ziploc bags as a travel necessity.  Save yourself years of struggle, put a box in the car right now.