I asked my friend Rachel, mother of two, and owner of Best Mom Products, LLC, what her top five beach bag must-haves are. Here is what she shared with me.

1.  Well, of course, having a red-haired fair-skinned daughter -- I definitely have 50 sunblock. :)  I just bought Aveeno Baby Mineral Block made with all minerals.  I think this is a nice, lesser expensive alternative to other lines. Hats, too although the girls rarely keep them on.

2.  Towels -- just found some cute ones that are tank top towel dresses at Costco.  They snap in front -- good to keep their core warm and they also act as a cover-up.

3.  Snacks - lots of them.  The sunshine and being outdoors makes them twice as hungry -- lots of fruit, granola bars, cookies, peanut butter & jelly.

4. Change of clothes for when it is time to go home -- who wants to sit in a wet bathing suit?

5.  The Best Mom Products, LLC "Talking CPR Kit"  :)

~ What's in your beach bag? ~

We took Tiny on her first camping trip when she was 13-months-old and not quite walking on her own yet. We did a one night trial, had a lot of fun and learned some things too! We've gone on two longer trips since then, and are looking forward to starting back up this spring.  Our friend Meredith from our Austin Monday Mommies group recently emailed me asking for some tot camping tips. Here was my reply: So fun that you're going camping, where?  If it will be cold I'd bring a hat and mittens/socks for her hands for sleeping.  The first time we went we used a little pad and blankets for Tiny, but after that we did the pad and kid sleeping bag, just make sure she won't turn around or get trapped in the bottom, you can tie something around it to make it the right length for her.  Another option is an air mattress and blankets for all of you.  A mini camping chair is great for the campfire and mealtimes.  Bubbles are a must!  You may want an extra flashlight for her to play with, coloring materials and whatever other books/toys of course, balls/frisbee.  Marshmallows are messy, but fun and worth it!  I would also recommend those baby cloth wipes with soap in them for in between bath/showers or especially if you're only going for one night.  It's fun to let them get dirty, but at a certain time clean-up is needed!  Keens have been great shoes for camping.  I'm sure you have a hiking backpack, but she may want to hike a  little or for sure race all around the site. We also lay out a big tarp at the entrance to the tent, keeps the inside of the tent cleaner, and gives a nice cleanish are for kids to play.  And try to find the most level tent spot you can.  Napping was our only issue, ended up driving her around so she'd sleep.  Have fun, want to see pics! I answered all her questions, but I don't think they've gone yet. Maybe this spring! ~ Parents: Do you have any tot camping tips? ~ 

"Theme-park experience" abounds at Disneyland and Tiny was very intrigued, but preferred to admire from afar.  Whether in Adventureland, the candy corn fields of California Adventure or at a character breakfast, she liked to keep her distance.  When we finally saw Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at California Adventure Tiny seemed excited. She stood fairly close to the photo op area and watched them interact with all the other kids. We got in line to wait to meet them.  Tiny got everyone in line to dance with her as we waited. It was all fun and games until we actually got to actually meet the mouse couple.  We ended up with a photo of them and me trying to get her to be in the picture. Very memorable all the same.  ~ Parents: Have you had any "challenging" photo shoots? ~