Gearing Up

Shorts and flip flops - check. Pack and play - check. Toothbrush and toothpaste - check. Beach toys - check. Butterfly kite - check. That's about the extent of dads list of stuff he is responsible to pack for the upcoming trip to Martha's Vineyard. He is very thankful that mom is in charge of packing the girls stuff. He would of course forget some key element needed to make a successful vacation. So instead he sits back while mom gets everything ready, packing and double checking that she has all the gear needed for a week away.

His job will be to try and stuff bag upon bag into the minivan and then unload it once we arrive. No easy feat knowing how women like to pack. Certainly there will be some justification for packing 12 dresses for Charlotte, 9 pairs of shorts, countless t-shirts, shoes, more shoes, oodles of toys, makeup, hair products, and sweaters. Women enjoy packing. They like the idea of being prepared. Men on the other hand, well they like the challenge of making due with what they have. The less is more theory. Maybe that is one reason why guys loved watching MacGyver. He could survive any situation with a rubber band, paperclip, and a match. Its a beach vacation. Give dad one pair of shorts, some sunblock and a t-shirt and he is good for the week. No sweaters, no shoes, no 11 different outfits.

(actual picture of stuff for the girls only)

But he keeps quiet, lets mom pack her stuff. He will spend an hour packing it into the car and an hour unpacking and lugging the overstuffed bags into the house. That's what he does. Its part of being a responsible husband.