It's not enough that we bought the biggest Thule carrier available (three years ago, anyway).
We also manage to fill it entirely full to the point that it's difficult to close - and we add extra tie-down straps, just in case (mostly for added stability at 70 mph plus, but also to make sure it stays closed driving down the road)!
Think of us today, as we will be traveling from our house to the beach - a ten hour drive straight through, which is so not going to happen with three little people in the day time. By the time you add in eating, stopping for gas, and potty breaks, it will be an all-day adventure. We're joining Grandma and Grandpa (from the lake) on their annual holiday beach visit for a week.
We're as prepared as we're going to be - we have our portable DVD player, our diaper bag (unfortunately still a necessity), snacks, toys and a cooler inside. The car-top carrier does make the inside a lot more manageable and open, thank goodness (at least as open as it can be with three full-size car seats)!
Oh, and Mommy has packed her iPod shuffle, just in case the noise is too much to bear for that long. Daddy's on his own. I'm pretty sure he has earplugs. Who's ready for a road trip?
Depending on whether the place at the beach has wireless Internet, we may or may not be posting for the next week. If not, enjoy the rest of the holiday and we'll be back next year!