The surprise...

Well, as you may already know if you've read my mom's or my brother Andrews' blog posts, the surprise was a "New" (to us) vehicle. It is, I think, the nicest vehicle we've ever had, although I was quite partial to Dad's big red pickup at one time. :)

The reason for another vehicle? Dependability! Mother does a lot of driving now and Dad wanted her to have something more dependable than the van. The van has served us VERY well in the (hmmmmm, is it 7?) years we've had it, but it's getting up in mileage (nearly 200,00) and can now take it a little easier. :)

We all hopped in the "Pacifica" today to get acquainted with our new family vehicle. Those of us who wished to, took turns driving as we went around through Braddock and then on the Hwy, back through to Kintyre and home again. Here Andrew's taking his turn:

Dad testing the overhead vent system. :)

Mother, enjoying the view from one of the middle seats...

Jacob, having fun testing out the DVD player! We probably won't use that feature too often, as we like to visit or read books when we're driving, but for long trips, it might come in handy?

I checked out the headphones too...

And here is "Its" new parking place...

~I was very happy when I learned of my dad's offer to sell me the van for a reasonable price, plus I'll trade him my old pickup (seen in the background), which doesn't currently run....... Dad hopes to get it working again and use it around the farm.

I really like our van and it will be so nice to have a vehicle of my own to run to town with instead of always borrowing my parents' car (or van) or Andrew's pickup! So you see, our faithful van won't quite be put out to pasture after all. :)