What do you suggest packing for a 2 1/2 week casual trip? Do I trust the sites that suggest carrying only a carry on travel bag? We are a family of 4 with 2 boys, ages 9 & 13 thanx again~

....and what time of the year would you be going????

traveling in July I guess if we are lucky the temp will be around 75 max, but we are also going to Bergin Norway, and I understand we can count on rain

I was in Stockholm and Bergen last July and (you are going to hate me......) there was a heat wave in Scandinavia! That said, Bergen gets in the low sixties in the evening; a windbreaker is a MUST (with a hood even better), bring a long sleeve sweatshirt as well. Just one of each, layer with T-shirts. There is a public laundry in Bergen, walking distance from the main sights. Let me know if you need details as far as its location, etc... I would pack three shorts for the kids, one long pants, 5 pairs of socks/undies, 5 T-shirts. Done. Have a great time! Scandinavia is perfect for families, albeit expensive.

Weather in N in July may be rain, chilly, hot like said before, windy -
Bergen is reputated for rain, also in summer, don't let that scare you, it is a nice city. And only tourists use rainclothing, Bergeners use umbrella !
Which is of no help in the wind - certain places in Norway may have temps up to mid-30s if heatwaves, 25-30 is not rare. How much you should take depends on how you're travelling, car, public transport, hiking- A light sweater is a must, and if you have windproofs you will do fine. www.met.no for the weather.

I was there several years ago late July/early August and we had quite a few cool/rainy days. I ended up buying a windsuit for myself and even washing out my turtleneck to wear again.
But it was a wonderful trip!!

Jeans are everywhere and on almost everyone.

A combination of a polartec fleece and a rainjacket that goes over the fleece will prepare you for almost any possibility. The polartec, folded, can even do duty as a travel pillow.