I'm going camping...on my own with both dc's and two dogs.

[OneHundredPercentFucked]

Any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I have a list of what I need but is there anything obscure, or actually really obvious I would need?

Dc's are 4 and 2

Gin

Old towels for wet dogs.

wine

maybe four extending dog leads?

One of those dog leads that holds 2 dogs on one lead? I've just got one and I'm sold already.

4 extending dog leads, Knew I had forgotten something!

Have got towels.

Need to get tethers and stake.

Alcohol, will put that on list!

I've got one of those Al0uise, but as my dogs are very pully (both under 2) it doesn't really serve a purpose at the moment.

I'm equally insane, I'm going camping next week with three dc and me

have packed tent and wine so far...

and when ds2 was very small, we did put him on an extending dog lead because otherwise he would climb everything! and is no better now at eight years old

The thing we usually forget is the children a ball and a few bats or something - hence we buy every time and now have millions, just to keep the dc busy!

I've got them both a waterproof all in one each, bats and balls on list.

We really are mad arn't we?!

What about food? Have nothing to cook on at the moment and have no idea WHAT to cook either!

Single gas burners are everywhere on sale for about a tenner atm, they run on small gas cartridges (we use 1 per 24 hrs for family use)
Breakfast - cereal
Lunch - bacon butties or bacon and egg (sandwiches if out for picnic)
Evening - often some sort of casserole thing with pasta or rice, I do a couple to take with us in airtight boxes so can just chuck in a pan and reheat. Barbecue stuff also good fun for evening.
That any use?

I had been thinking of cooking something things to take down.

Hot dogs and chilli anyone?

don't knock it - my lot love hot dogs

As do mine. I cannot eat them after watching that Gillian McKeith though.

Al0uise, I have been racking my brains as to where I have seen your name before, just figured, you are following me on twitter!

Right, here is my list so far....

Tent! bought but not collected yet
Stove
folding chairs x4
Folding table
tethers and stake (for dogs)
kettle, mug, teabags check
Torch/lantern
pillows check
duvet and towels for dogs check
bats and balls, games etc
bucket and spades
waterproofs (kids) ordered
cooler bags
food
flask check
Painkillers

I am also mad, taking 2 teens and an 8 yr old on my own next week.The teens can be brilliant or horrible depending on how the mood takes them.
I would take
Some indoor games/colouring/Ds's for if its wet.
Some of those identity bracelets in case your littlest wanders off while you are opening the gin putting the tent up.
Strong carrier bags to put your clothes in while you shower.
Hot water bottles.

They won't be going at this rate and I may piss off go on my own!

You only need three chairs - for you and 2 dc right?
washing up bowl
duvet/sleeping bags for you and dcs
insect bite/sting relief
plasters

My dad is thinking about coming if he can get time off work, which, if he can, will be a huge help!

Essential Advice (second on the list after pack alcohol)
Put tent up in garden / if no garden then park or friends garden, anywhere
make sure it has all its bits
NB guyropes are not merely for decoration they are for falling over in the night

I tried putting the incomplete one up with my day in the garden (before I knew it was incomplete!) and could of stabbed him with the poles.

Think I shall put the new one up on my own!!

A portable toilet. I've thought about taking my DC camping alone (they are 4 & 1), and decided I'll definitely leave the dog at home!

The only thing that worried me was having to leave the children sleeping in the tent while I went out to the loo! So, a portable loo has been bought so I won't have to leave them, and also helps if the four year old needs a middle of the night trip to the loo too!

Oh, and a head torch - for when you need to have light and both hands free in the middle of the night!

They sell disposable bbq's in poundshop! or poundland whatever it is called.

cooking, eating, washing up equipment.
Airbed and pump.
Mallet
bin liners are useful in case your tent leaks during heavy rain.

How long are you going for? My parents used to take 3 kids or a fortnight in Wales every summer. They had a trailer and took pretty much everything with us (shoe polish comes to mind).