It is sad to say good-bye...

We had to say good-bye recently to an important member of our family. We when first met, I was attracted to him. He was beautiful, and he made Nate all the more attractive too. He's been with us for almost ten years of marriage, always willing to give us a ride to where we needed to go. He took us on many trips, giving up many miles to lug two, then three, then four of us around. He had a thankless job, getting dinged and dirty along the way. Without him, I would have had to travel across country alone when we moved, but he was there to rescue me. One time, we even took him down the side of a mountain, but he didn't complain. He just kept going, getting us safely where we needed to go. He took Abby's abuse the best. She would often spill milk, soda, french fries or other sticky, messy things on him. But he was still there, waiting for the next episode. And he tolerated Iris' high pitched screaming and served us again, by having good speakers to drown her out!

What can I say? I'll miss him. I hope, his new friends take good care of him. We kept him as long as we could, but his repairs and lack of extra seating just became too much. He was a good friend, and has many years left to serve those who took him in.

And so we say good-bye, old friend. May your 4-wheel drive never lock up, may the newly rebuilt transfer case stayed lubed, and may the rising cost of fuel make that nectar so much sweeter. We love you and hope you'll forgive us for turning you out.

Our sweet, sweet SUV, named "Nate's Explorer" aka "Daddy's car" aka "Sexy Red" (okay I made that one up... but it sounds good).



PS We now have a van. It is a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. We like it. I'll put a picture up once I take one. Abby said that she is sad we sold "Daddy's car" because she thinks we should have all three. Nate's holding up well with the loss. He is now focusing all his attention on the van (and those who know him know what that means), and Iris HATES the built in car seats. Me, I'm happy to have the extra seats for visitors or playdates. I'll miss "Sexy Red" because it brings back fond memories of premarital making out (sorry MIL), postmarital, prechildren road trips, sleeping in back at girl's camp, and traveling across the country pulling my Saturn in the middle of the summer.

PPS (or is it PSS?) My contest is still up and running until May 18th. And if you know the significance of that date (email me DON'T post it as a comment or else you will give it away), and you got the answers right, I'll put your name in twice for the prize! I just LOVE changing the rules in the middle of the game MMMUUUUUHHHAAAWWW!!!