Summer road trip season is our favorite around here! I love living within an hour from the coast and being able to pack up for a quick weekend getaway. We often go down to Galveston for the day to hit the beach but I thought it would be so fun to actually get a little R&R and stay a few nights for a mini baby-moon at the historic Galvez Hotel in Galveston. Plus, with all that’s going on with Kai’s doctors and upcoming surgery, it was time to unplug and really just let her be a kid for the weekend. So I packed our trusty Lily Jade bags and headed for the ocean. Today, I am sharing a few road trip hacks, answering some questions about the different sized Lily Jade Anna bags and highlighting a few Galveston gems along the way!

I chose to bring along the pink Anna Lily Jade diaper bags because this new style of my favorite of all time! It’s sleek, modern, can be carried like a backpack, cross body or a shoulder bag. The Anna is so thoughtfully designed, I use up every single interior compartment for wallet, water, snack bag, extra charger and more and it keeps me SO organized. As always, each Lily Jade diaper bag is designed to last! The full grain leather is tumbled to bring our their beauty instead of a stamped pattern like other “high end” bags. Every stitch is finished out and durable. Even the leather on the tassels is double sided so no raw, unfinished leather is exposed. The Lily Jade Anna is going to last through not only both my babies but for many years to come! For a more petite frame, the medium Anna is ideal! To even use as an overnight bag, the Large Anna fits all Kai’s needs plus my laptop and camera! I love using both Lily Jade bags as a combo on short road trips. Here is how I pack them!

• Medium Anna - packed for easy access, daily use a a purse. My favorite part about the Medium Anna is the 2 large divided compartment. The center compartment I use as a toddler diaper bag. I always use a small packing case for an extra set of cloths, especially because Kai is still potty training, you never know when an extra set of undies will come in handy. I also make sure to pack a top for myself. You know, accidents happen! A favorite toy always makes it in the bag with me. Because we try not to give her screen time at lunches or going out to eat, she loves to bring a small car or woody. For the back compartment that’s easy to access, I use it as a mommy purse! It’s large enough to cary the same amount as my regular small crossbody bag!

• Large Anna - I pack the large Anna as an overnight bag. My MacBook and camera both fit in here inside the “mommy" compartment. I always make sure to stash a small clear packing case filled with emergency goodies (this way, it’s easy to transport from car to purse to switching between purses). My emergency mom hack goodies include: bandaids, nail clippers, underwear, bow, hair tie, small brush, overnight diaper, tissues and small snack bar.

Where to Stay

One of the most scenic hotels on the island is Hotel Galvez. I remember admiring it as a teenager coming down to the island. It’s over 100 years old and as charming as it is full of history. The beach front location makes the Galvez super easy with kids. One of Kai’s favorite days was spent just relaxing at the Hotel Galvez Pool! We got a chance to try out their new pool side cabanas and can’t imagine doing pool any other way. You have he semi private space from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cabana rental comes with bottle of sparkling wine, bottled water, and a fresh seasonal fruit platter which Kai just wolfed down! They even offer a special Babymoon getaway with a 50-minute Swedish massage, a manicure, and pedicure plus breakfast for two the next morning. Book online or call 409-765-7721, using the promo code PKGGLM.

What to Eat

Our MUST EAT every time we are in Galveston is Millers. It’s right on the ocean with sweeping views and breakfast is served all day. I am still drooling about their crab cake eggs Benedict! Bonus, this is walking distance from the Galvez, just 1 short block away! If your sweet tooth strikes, hit up LaKing’s Confectionery to watch taffy being made or Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream on Postoffice Street.

Toddler Friendly Activities

Every time we come down to Galveston, Kai won’t let us leave without a visit to the Pleasure Pier theme park. For kids 36 inches and above, it’s the highlight of their Galveston visit. Kids 2 and under are free and can ride 4 easy rides with parents. The best time to visit is after 6PM. They usually extend their summer hours well after bedtime so this way, you can beat the heat and still have plenty of time to enjoy all the rides. Next time will will sure check out the harbor excursion for dolphin sighting or take Kai for a beach pony ride!