Adventures are actually pretty easy to come by, but if you’re anything like this gal, the planning and preparation can take a lot of the fun out of them. I think it’s safe to say that in most families the mom is in charge of, let’s be real, practically everything when it comes to, again, let’s be real, anything.

Our job is a very tall order, friends. On any given day we are juggling sports practices, math homework, antibiotic schedules, oh-my-gah-it’s-the-worst-ever teenager issues, mountains of laundry, have-you-seen-my-keys issues, <insert everything that requires anything here> issues. The point is, we have a lot on our mismatched plates.

School break brings with it a need for some adventure. During winter break, my family likes to head to the snow and scream our heads off sledding down a hill. And what an adventure it can be! But it can also be easy to let the planning and prep take away from the experience so I’ve created some short cuts to make that last-minute “let’s head to the snow” decision a little more feasible and a lot more fun!

I think the most important step is to be prepared. Having your gear packed and ready to go can make all the difference

I have dedicated a section in my hall closet for our snow gear. Knowing that everything is packed up in one space makes the get-out-the-door all the easier.

• Use your reusables! Invest in a large Ikea bag or something similar that will hold a lot of gear and hold up to a lot of use.  Preferably waterproof, and washable.
• Store up enough heavy duty gloves for every person in your family for all that snow play. Throw in some dollar-store knit gloves to use for the time in-between snowman building and sledding.
• Wool socks! Nothing beats wool for warmth and toasty toes is the only option for a successful day in the snow. I always pack multiple pairs of socks because I’m a big believer in keeping the bitching to a minimum.
• Hand warmers. Costco sells these bad boys by the case. Invest and make sure to always have them on hand. Warm hands.
• Beanie hats. Again, the more the merrier. Multiples is key, friends. Wet beanies = wet heads = complaining kids = mom wishing she had packed Fireball.

Another key element to Super Fun Snow Day is being prepped and packed with food and snacks. I keep a tote packed with some essentials and will add in whatever extras we need in order to make a meal work.

• Again, your reusable shopping bags will come in handy here!
• Plastic and foam cups. I keep both types on hand for different uses.
• Garbage sacks
• Hand wipes