Our New Ride

We took the minivan plunge. We are the owners of a gently used Toyota Sienna Minivan. I wasn't seeking one out but a similar one to the one pictured found me. More about that in a minute - first a sidebar:
On Bainbridge Island there is a Yahoo group called IslandMoms. See an article about IslandMoms here. I'm addicted. One time I went to a party and someone said they post things on IslandMoms all the time and I wanted to know her name to know if she was one of the "more controversial" posters. Turns out she was a neutral poster. IslandMoms is a topic of conversation - usually when someone posts something controversial - nothing like a wild comment about parenting styles to get 1200 women and men all fired up. Way back when, people used to put things for sale on the site and I bought a glider for Zach's room. It winds up that the woman (who was one of the cofounders of Islandmoms) was the facilitator for my Mom's group (PEPS group) with Natalie. Small island . . . After some time, and too many posts for sale items, the group has encouraged participation in several similar groups - a Bainbridge Island Freecycle where you post things you don't want but think someone may so you don't have to have a garage sale. I've gotten rid of an Exercise Bike, Cat Litter Box (yep, you're reading that right) and more. There is also a Online Yard Sale - a localish Craig's List/Ebay type thing. I've gotten scads of great deals on here too - patio furniture, washer/dryer, bathroom cabinet, gotten rid of toy organizers. So here is where my car comes in. The other co-founder of IslandMoms (who I know through Yoga) recently posted her Minivan for sale. I pounced - it was a great deal with really low miles. I decided I could live without the sunroof and leather (at least I can for now). She and her family are sailing off into the sunset - literally. They sold most of their things, moved onto a boat with their 3 kids and are just going... pretty unbelievable. Read more about their story here. So long story short, we bought her van. It's roomy, has a gazillion cupholders, lots of storage, fold down seats, one automatic door. I have officially given in to mom-dom (because of course the volvo stationwagon doesn't scream mom). Now . . . i have a 2003 Volvo for sale if anyone is interested.