neux shakin' it like a digital picture

This week we finally purchased a minivan, something that has been in the making for about 4 years. For the last year we’ve been trying our best to be a one car family with my Toyota Yaris. We can cram both the girls car seats in the back and the trunk has just enough room to hold a stroller and a few bags of groceries. We got by with my near 50 mile round trip to Microsoft and back and the 3 days Elizebeth went in for her training. Well, because of my snowy accident on Saturday, my Yaris is still in the shop and it won’t be available until next week. My insurance covers our rental car, but I finally gave into the ever pressing need for a 2nd car. I’ve spent the last year looking at Nissan Quests on Craigslist and have been monitoring the prices (thank you RSS!). And like it was meant to be the absolute top of the line Quest with all the fancy boy stuff showed up on the list at a price I had to do a double take to make sure it was correct. Day 1 I test drove it and asked all the important questions. Day 2 I had Elizebeth drive it. Day 3 I got it!

We’ve only had it a couple days but it has already changed our daily routine in a very positive way. Normally on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Elizebeth is in morning training and doesn’t get home until 1pm and I don’t get into work until 2pm… which means I don’t get home until 11ish at night. Needless to say Elizebeth and I don’t really even see each other on those days. I get lots of extra wonderful time with the kids though and that’s very nice. BUT TODAY, Elizebeth took the rental to the gym and I picked her up with the kids in the Quest at almost noon, we swapped cars and I was into work about 2 minutes later. We just shaved off 2 hours! We now also have the added benefit of Elizebeth not feeling trapped in our house with no way to get out or take the kids anywhere while I’m at work. :):) Maybe they’ll meet me for lunch some days. (hint hint).

Here are the fancy boy specs on our Quest:

2004 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Engine: V6 3.5 Li
Transmission: Automatic 5 Speed
Interior Color: Beige
Exterior Color: Autumn Red Metallic
Stereo: Bose Sound System
12 Volt Power Source
3rd Row Seating
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
Anti-Lock Brakes
Bucket Seats
CD Changer
Cruise Control
Driver Air Bag
Dual Heat/AC Controls
DVD Player
Heated Seat(s)
Keyless Entry
Leather Interior
Luggage Rack
Memory Seat(s)
Navigation System
Passenger Air Bag
Power Door Locks
Power Mirrors
Power Seats
Power Sliding Door(s)
Power Windows
Rear A/C
Rear Window Defroster
Satellite Radio
Security System
Side Air Bag
Sunroof/Moonroof
Tilt Wheel
Tinted Glass
Traction Control
Heated Seats
Adjustable Pedals

Thank you Lord!

Sean.