The Van

Getting married, having kids, and buying a house did not make me feel old. Buying a minivan did.

We bought our van right before Caleb was born because I couldn't fit three car seats in the back of our civic. I tried. A lot. I borrowed other people's seats and tried every possible combination. It just wasn't going to happen. So, after 6 years of marriage, we went from a long-time one car family to a two car family.

There are moments now when I feel a little guilty driving a minivan, and I certainly hate it when I'm at the gas pump. But then there is the rest of the time. Like when I can have my three boys and their friends pile in for a trip to the woods. Or when I remember that I have three boys that are well on their way to being over six feet tall. Or when I have all the groceries for our family for the month, and the treats for the next scout activity, and for a seminary breakfast all loaded in one trip. Or when I pack for two week long "camping in the mountains then camping at the beach" trips.

When not hauling everyone and everything everywhere, we try to utilize the great bike trails and bus system that Columbus has to offer. The rest of the time we like our van. And I don't resent it anymore for making me feel old. I have kids to do that for me.