Joining the Ranks of the Vanned

Earlier this summer, we made the transition from single-car family to two vehicles.  I'd resisted for as long as I could, but since my husband frequently takes our one car out of town on business trips.  Besides, with two carseats installed, the station wagon suddenly didn't seem as spacious as it once did.  So we finally succumbed to the siren call of the new (used) van in the driveway. 

There was a time when my husband was adamantly anti-minivan.  He ridiculed anyone who would buy one and insisted that if we ever had to go to a larger vehicle, we'd be buying a passenger van, dammit.  I quietly rolled my eyes.  I admit there is something faintly ridiculous about owning both a station wagon and a minivan, but, well, welcome to yuppie-ville, folks.

The van has been put through its paces since its acquisition.  It's been on several camping trips, including a 2400 km pilgrimage to the NWT and back.  It's roomy enough to accommodate a large plug-in cooler for my daughter's special dietary needs, and still have room left over for the dog to cower in (he hates car rides) (although he hates the van slightly less).  I can see my eldest daughter in the rear-view mirror and interact with her without being too distracted from the road.  We've even used it to tow our new sailboat (did someone say recession?) from Alaska to the marge of Lake Leberge.  And, oh, how I love the "secret compartment" goodness of the Stow 'N' Go seats1

I had no idea that I'd have such a sense of freedom knowing I could still get out with the kids even when my husband pulls out of the driveway in the station wagon.

I wonder why I didn't give in sooner?

This is an original Canada Moms Blog post. When not basking in minivan bliss, Fawn also writes on her personal site Fawnahareo's Place.