Top 5 things to bring when packing for a weekend mountain trip with children. You never want to be caught off guard, so here are my top 5 things to bring.

1. Games for the kids. Make sure that you have plenty of activities like cards, games, movies (bring DVD player, in my case, laptop)

2. Food Pack enough food for 3 meals a day for each person on the trip – make sure to include snacks like fruit and chips.

3. BYOB - some mountain communities, like Blairsville, GA, are Dry and you have to drive to the next county to get any beer or wine, so be prepared.

4. Camera  no matter how many times I say this, there is still a chance you will forget your camera and miss that perfect photo opportunity.

5. Play clothes Do not bring your 5 inch pumps to the mountaintop home. You will NEVER wear them. Make sure to pack dungarees for the kids to get dirty in. And some for mom and dad can't hurt.