Our New Car — 2012 Toyota Highlander SE

Brian turned his car in last Tuesday. Although he will be gone all of August, I felt like it was just an unspoken pressure and sense of tension with only having one car.

Not to mention my poor parents had to extend their rental agreement so that they wanted to go somewhere, they could!

Anyway, my mom and dad flew out yesterday morning and after the boys got haircuts and we picked up a few things at Target, we decided to go car shopping. Initially, we both wanted a Chevy Traverse after having a good experience with a couple of Brian's company cars that were Chevys. However, I am not a huge fan of the current body style and after a little research we learned that the 2013 will change the style. I prefer this style, but they aren't available until October! We just can't wait that long. I started looking at Toyota Highlanders and I really think they have everything we are looking for! I LOVE the second row configuration with captain seats & console, with a bench option if another seat is needed. The SE model also comes with a sunroof (we both wanted), backup camera, tow package (not sure if it has a hitch). The only hangup with the "sport" SE package is that it automatically comes with leather and we actually wanted cloth..we got "ash"..at least it isn't black. Oh well. It also comes with an upgraded rim and tire package and roof rails. It has 3rd row seating which Connor really likes and we are pleased with the deal that we got on it. The local dealership we got it from is also one of the few that offers LIFETIME powertrain warranty and $10 oil changes, etc. Since we tend to drive cars into the ground, this will be good for us. (The last time we bought a car was actually Brian in 2002....1 car every 10 years isn't bad...)

There aren't many in the country with these specifications in "Shoreline Blue" but they found one and it should be here within the week. We are very excited. This will be Brian's work & family car. I will continue to drive the faithful, somewhat messy Passat. :) There is far less pressure to keep it sparkling with 2 little boys, that is for sure! But anytime we go anywhere all-together we'll take the Highlander for sure.

I will certainly miss the way Connor says, "Chevy Ee-win-ox". :)

You can thank us for stimulating the economy. :)