Oh I'm stressing on this packing thing. I'm working on it but I can't make up my mind what to do!
I can't decide if I should cram as much as possible in our carryons to try to make sure we don't lose anything in case our luggage gets lost- but I can't fit it ALL in carryons so then I'd have to have checked luggage too and that would be a pain to have both carryons and checked luggage when it's just me and 3 kids (most of which aren't much help with luggage so that might be more trouble than it's worth)
or
If I should just cram it all in checked luggage, not worry about having to mess with more luggage/carryons with the kids- and just cross my fingers that none of our luggage gets lost? I just get so worried about that happening because it would be a nightmare to arrive and be missing luggage, ESPECIALLY if it was luggage that had MY clothing in it or other necessary items (because it's not easy to find clothes that fit me well..... that's another nightmare for me- trying to find clothes that fit)
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh calgon take me away! I really just cannot decide which to do.
What are the odds really of luggage being lost? I guess maybe I shouldn't even worry about it because after hearing about some luggage being lost by DCL (and the other people who got it by mistake keeping it in their rooms until the last night- which totally STINKS btw.....) we'd stand a chance for our carryons to get lost by DCL anyway! I mean what if we go thru all the trouble of tons of carryons (one each I mean) and dealing with that- only to have DCL lose one or something?
I just want all my stuff to make it there. LOL
A couple of suggestions. First off, if you are flying direct the chances of your luggage being lost is very small. When they take your checked bags make sure you see them put the correct airport code on them. For example; LAX- Los Angeles. There are also nearby airports of SNA, BUR etc. If you tell me your airport, I can tell you the code to look for.
Secondly, make sure you are at the airport in more than enough time to check in. That gives your bags more time to get to the plane.
There are 2 directions you could go when you get to your destination. If you have rolling bags the kids can take at least one each. My kids have been in charge of their own bags since they were old enough to drag it behind them (by age 4 at least). Now at 8 and 12, they can pull 2 each.
If no rolling bag, might want to fork over the cash for a porter. Even late night you should not have a problem finding one.
Obviously each kid is responsible for their own backpack.
The funniest thing I wish I had was a picture of was youngest DD when she was 3 going to her 1st crusie going through the airport in San Juan Puerto Rico, dragging her rolling Minnie suitcase with her Disney backback w/ her stuffer horses head sticking out the top.
The place we're taking Tramp is an indoor/outdoor kennel which is perfect for him because he canNOT stay outside in this heat all the time- he's an inside dog! He only goes outside to do his business and if we're outside he wants to be with us- the rest he's inside in the a/c. Yes our Texan dog is as spoiled as we are when it comes to a/c. The inside is a/c but he can go outside anytime he wants- next to but seperated from other dogs. They do have a play area but the dogs can't go there freely on their own so the lady would be there everytime she puts them in the play area to make sure they get along well. LOL (maybe that's what she meant by dog park type area?) 
when we start looking for volunteers!!
My tag tells the truth, he is like a child.
) with her princess backpack on. 
