One check/one carry on per person should be plenty. (Don't have kids, so can't really advise, but I always used my own small suitcase when I was younger.) I've learned to cut down on packing by putting every toiletry I possibly can into small plastic tubes. I never thought I'd be able to fit enough product into them, but I tested it out for a week at home and I could fit more than enough of everything into them. It makes a huge difference in how big of a suitcase I need...and I don't have to worry about being over the 50 lb limit
Weather in October probably won't be pants weather yet. Check extended forecasts starting about two weeks before your trip. Don't fret over any rain in an extended forecast, because rain predictions change just about every day, up until when it actually happens. You may end up needing a sweatshirt/light jacket if you're up for park openings, because it can sometimes get pretty cold overnight even if it will be warm the rest of the day. However, you'd have to tote it around when it warms up...
You can get moleskin at drug stores for sure, in the foot section
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