Farewell, Old Friend

About 7 years ago, we were expecting a new addition to our family (Baby Benjamin) and thus decided it was time to enter into the new realm of parenthood that we had avoided to that point: driving a minivan. I know some people refuse to buy a minivan, but Phil and I had no qualms about joining the club. We just weren't exactly sure how to do it. We did our best to research and after looking at more vans than we looked at houses before purchasing one (go figure), we decided on a plymouth grand voyager. We bought from a nice family in Texas who actually threw in a much smaller version of the green van, a little tykes version, for our boys. We were pleased with our purchase and have driven it since the weekend before Benjamin was born.

Since then, we have put roughly 90,000 miles on our van. It's been with us through the good, the bad and the ugly of parenthood. Soccer games, vacations, a switching of drivers while driving during the middle of the night on our move here from Texas (definitely the ugly - I do NOT recommend nor do I admit to actually doing this!), shopping trips, new trees, beaches, mountains, nursing sessions, etc., this van has been with us through most of our kids' childhood and grand adventures.

But alas, already with a second transmission about to go, the squeaking we noticed over the last few weeks turned into a long list of repairs that needed to be done. Phil and I reevaluated and decided it was time to retire our car instead of putting more money into it. We do NOT enjoy the process of buying cars, but over the weekend, we were able to find a good deal on a replacement minivan (nope, not ready to leave the club yet.) And so with a few tears in my eyes as I cleaned it out, and cleaned it out, and cleaned it out (we're going to need an addition on the house to fit all the stuff that was in that van!) I bid farewell to my home on wheels. You've been a good car and we wish you the best as you find a new home (and hopefully some new brakes.)

In life cars come and go (literally), but I will always hold a special place in my heart for our old green plymouth!!

Among the treasures (if you consider old gold fish crackers and popcorn from 5 years ago treasures) I found while cleaning out the van, this was probably my favorite. Benjamin used to draw our shopping lists, then we'd cross them out as we shopped. This is probably from when he was 3 or 4. So cute!!