Attn. Managers:

When packing the company car for a long road trip home, be smart. Take a little extra time and compile a good bag of toys to place between the car seats, and do not, under any circumstances, place the following items in the reach of your smallest employee: baby wipes, tissues, containers holding about a thousand and six tiny hair bands and clips, and/or any sort of paper, like coupons from the Sunday news. Mark my words, it will end badly. Especially if you add partially stale Krispy Kreme donuts into the mix.

Here are the hair bands I had no idea N.Lo even had his hands on until 20 minutes into the trip, when K.Lo suddenly had to go potty very badly. I opened the car door to get him out, and they.were.everywhere. Inside and outside of the car. Lots of fun to clean up while corralling employees in front of the gas station.

Later, N.Lo discovering the Sunday paper coupons. I guess that’s what he thinks about my thriftiness!

And then… the granola box. It all looks very innocent, but do you want to know what he is cramming in there? The Krispy Kreme donut.

You might suggest that N.Lo, at the very least was keeping himself entertained during the car ride, but I felt like he was never really quite satisfied. And indeed, once he ran out of coupons, donuts, cardboard boxes, baby wipes, tissues, chicken nuggets and French fries (the latter 4 not pictured), he broke down.

Finally, he found what I hoped he would get his hands on before all the other stuff—his blankie. And shortly thereafter fell asleep. With twenty minutes in the trip left to go.

Also to pack for next time: Your own blankie, to cope with such stressful situations.