Costco = Cost Savings?

We are a family of four with two little children. Are we really saving money by shopping at Costco? For things like toilet paper and paper towels I'm sure the answer is yes (especially since I don't track sales to match our coupons at our local grocery store). For food, not exactly a great deal. What is it about Costco that makes it irresistable! I go in for milk and come out having spent $200! I could say it's self control but at least I know I'm not alone. All of my friends go through the same Costco spending frenzy.

I'm not sure why I let myself go there once a month and sometimes more. Initially it was because my super skinny daughter would eat her way through Costo and then top it off with some of their pizza at the food court. (by the way, Costco food court pizza is the only pizza that she'll eat). Well, I'm preparing for another trip this week. Now the big decision is if I go with one or both children. The Costco coupons expire on the 28th so time to get ready!

Here's the list that I'm walking into the store with.... Will I get out for under $200? Unlikely. What will come home with me? I'm hoping it's just the list below:

Carnation Instant Breakfast
Cookies for kids
Tide HE
Charmin
Bounty
Kleenex Tissues (or Kirkland)
Diet Pepsi
Swiffer Duster
Bounce
Huggies Diapers and Wipes
Paper Plates
Huggies Diapers and Wipes
Crest Toothpaste
Toothburshes - Cross Action Vitalizer
Choc Chips
Apple bread
Laughing cow cheese