The same cup and plate for each child every day works wonders for me too so they always know which is theirs without any arguments. I change the babies and then announce that it's potty time for big kids to make that run smoothly. I keep a big box of wipes beside the dining room table to wash the hands of the little ones before we eat but the big kids wash up in the bathroom.

When we come in from outside I have the children put the footwear on the shoe mat but pile up any outisde clothing all in a pile and head into the playroom. I clean up the pile of clothing at naptime, or right away in the case of wet winter clothing. I keep a park bag packed at all times with extra diapers, a package of wipes and our emergency medical forms, bubbles, balls, etc. so I only have to grab my wallet and cell phone to throw in there and we're ready to go. I have drawstring bags on pegs at my entranceway with the children's hats, etc. in them to grab quickly and I insist on splashpants left here year round in case we need them.