Sunday, February 28, 2010

I want a minivan so bad I can smell it

When I was 16, the first car I ever drove was a 1990 Dodge Caravan. Not exactly the stuff 16 year old dreams are made of. I hated that beast car. Once when I was driving my younger brother to swim lessons, it completely broke down on me as I pulled out in front of someone turned left onto a busy road. That was the last day of the Caravan and I swore to myself that no matter how many kids I ended up having, I would never, repeat NEVER, drive another minivan.

Fast forward 16 years: I want a minivan so bad I can smell it. I am salivating over the sliding rear doors, the third row, the smooth drive of a sedan rather than the bumpy truck like ride of my mid-size SUV.

Mr. Rose is a Harley-riding poker-playing man's man. He has the same stigma against the minivan that I did when I was 16. It is going to be an uphill battle convincing him that I need this this is the best thing for our family.

A few months ago, I talked to one of my fellow Mommy friends about how I was coveting a minivan. She was also expecting her second child so I thought perhaps she could relate. She replied, "Ugh, my husband wants me to get one and I totally do not." End of conversation. The very next month she excitedly ran up to me at one of our children's school functions and said, "Oh my gosh, I got a minivan and I LOVE IT!"

Surely, if she can be converted, so can my husband.

On Saturday, I took a giant leap forward and drove a 2011 Toyota Sienna. Oh. My. Gosh. Spacious seating areas and storage areas. Steering as smooth as butter. And a gorgeous new body style.

2011-toyota-sienna-se-1   Image courtesy of japanesesportscars.com

Isn't it beautiful?

The first page of the brochure says,

"Along with its more spacious interior, powerful yet efficient engines, and enough technology to impress a rocket scientist, Sienna offers something most minivans don't: a responsive feel wrapped in a sleek shape."

Are you listening sweetheart? {Did I mention that my husband is indeed a rocket scientist of sorts?}

I need one!!!

Erin

14 comments:

Shell said...

I totally relate! I want one so badly! The automatic sliding doors, the THIRD row. My boys sit across the ONE row we have in the back now and just pick at each ohter the whole time. Plus, no one else can ever ride with us.

Hope your husband really is a smart guys and gets you one!

Unknown said...

My sister drove a minivan in college--it was dubbed the "Shaggin' Wagon'...haha!

Kmama said...

LOL!! Minivans are one thing that will never grace our household. Both the hubs and I agree that we are not doing a minivan. I do drive a Chevy Suburban though, so I feel like it might be the Daddy of all minivans.

Good luck convincing Mr. Rose.

No Longer 25 said...

Happy Monday! Just stopping over from SITS. Good luck with the Minivan campaign!

I'm hosting a Memory Monday today, you're welcome to join in if you like.
Jade

Unknown said...

minivans oh yes they are great! Great hint hint!

Lesley said...

lol...I'm afraid I too am slowly...perhaps becoming a convert....the new commercials for the Sienna make them look very appealing...

Happy SITS day!

EMM said...

ME TOO!!!! I'm pretty sure that the hubs won't go for it. At least, not until he sees me melodramatically struggling (hehe) to lift a car seat and baby up into the Sequoia. Maybe then he'll see the light and entertain the idea.... I had a dream last night that I traded in the SUV for a Cadillac, though...not sure what that's about....

Erin Lane said...

Ok, you know me. I am the anti-mini van woman BUT...that is a sleek looking ride.

Melissa Haak said...

I'm like your friend, over my dead body I told my husband! But the bigger the kids get, the LOUDER the kids get right behind my seat (we have a wagon). The more I keep telling myself, hmmm. maybe a van won't be that bad!

Rachel Cotterill said...

I think you need to get your previously-skeptical friend to tell her story to your husband! ;)

Unknown said...

My husband felt the same way as yours however since the minivan was going to be my car that he would only rarely drive, I informed him that he had no say in the matter. Oh and he got a new Silverado shortly after my new minivan....that helped!!

Bree Wilder said...

I never understood the need for a big car until I had my little man. Just ONE baby needs so much stuff! Thanks for stopping by and welcoming me to SITS!

Sonya said...

This cracks me up!! I am not to the point of wanting a mini van...I bet I get there one day though. I have a car now and would love to get an SUV. :)

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

You are too funny! I have a friend who also is craving a minivan... I think she's nuts!I wonder if one day, I too will be converted :)

Thanks for stopping by earlier, and RSVPing for the party-- it's gonna be a BLAST!

~Elizabeth
Confessions From A Working Mom