Stock Your Car for Fall Sports

Is Your Car Ready for Fall Sports?

As the mother of three budding athletes, I recognize how the different seasons require different things. Extra bottles of water aren't necessarily as pressing during the cooler months, while they're imperative in the summer. We seem to become one with mud during fall sports, but rarely in the summer. To make sure I'm keeping up with the changes and have the fall necessities on hand, I stock my car with the following things:

Umbrellas. The big golf ones, and make sure to have at least two!

Waterproof stadium blankets. One side will be warm and snuggly, while the other is a plastic backing that keeps you dry whether it's on your lap or you're sitting on it.

Folding chairs with roofs. They're a little heavier, but worth it because not only will the roof keep you drier, but it cuts the wind which keeps you warmer, too!

Extra clothes. Okay, fine - this is a necessity regardless of season! Consider keeping an extra outfit, from head to toe, for each of your kids in separate bags.

Speaking of bags, keep a bunch of those handy, too! They're perfect for muddy cleats or wet...anything!

Extra drinks and snacks. Concession stands aren't always open in the colder weather, so come prepared!

Canvas wagon. This bad boy isn't for carting around the kids -- it's for your stuff! You can throw everything in this wagon and when it's not in use, it folds up nicely to fit in your trunk. It's much easier pulling than carrying!

Depending upon your location, it's not a bad idea to keep a bag of inexpensive kitty litter in your trunk, too. This way, if you're ever stuck in deep mud, you'll have a reliable means of traction to ensure you won't be stuck there!