DAY TWO

I can see myself owning a van. If not this one, definitely one with all the features. It was so nice to use the GPS to find DH's rotation site. I've been there once before, but followed a Google Map. This time, I could watch the road and enjoy the ride, rather than glancing at the map in traffic. SO um.... I'm asking Santa for GPS someday. Speaking of GPS - another extra safety feature - the GPS system in the Grand Caravan gives you an "error" message (not really an error) that prohibits you from typing in an address, when the car is in motion. So you must pull over and enter it safely. Now, I DO have experience driving vehicles with GPS - this is the first I've seen that includes that safety feature, as well as (when you first start the vehicle) a message that you must drive safely, and observe the laws, etc..... to which you much push "I accept", before the GPS system will allow access.

Really handles well. "It's got GUTS", to quote DH. It really does. You can definitely get out of some crazy driver's way, get into an opening in traffic, etc., with no worries that you won't have enough power - the Grand Caravan definitely has power. Another trait Dodge is known for - my Neon (though not a flashy car, and as SIL says, "a belly-button" car...... because "everyone has one") is pretty powerful, and my brother used to have a Dodge Ram - lots of power in that engine. In fact, the Infiniti cannot hold a candle to the Neon, when it comes to guts. But it has an air conditioner, better seat belts (the Neon seat belts slip when trying to hold a car seat in - even with a clip, it's not my first choice with kids), and more comfortable seats, though my head touches the ceiling. And a smoother, more comfortable drive - which one would expect in an entry-level luxury car. SO I've been driving the Infiniti since I became a stay-at-home mom. Because the kids need air-conditioning - they inherited my fair skin, and propensity for overheating.

ANYWHO - the Grand Caravan handles very nicely - every bit as nicely as my little sedan. I was concerned that, having not driven a van on a regular basis, it would take some getting used to wide turns, etc., But it truly handles just like a compact car. True, I need a little more room, but the turns are tight and smooth, the van is very responsive, etc. It's actually very enjoyable to drive! Even picking up MiniMe from school (small parking lot, lots of mommy traffic, etc) was a breeze.

OK, so we're getting beyond just "driving a van instead of a compact car" differences. I'm starting to appreciate her (yes, I feel this van is a female - a strong, intelligent, woman-of-integrity type, lol. Maybe I am projecting a little) for who she is. I am getting a little attached to her. And the kids are hooked. Of course, that could be because they figured out the television in 6 seconds flat. And if I don't check my rear-view mirror for a few minutes, MiniMe turns it back on. We had 3 discussions today on the fact that riding in a vehicle does NOT mean adding to her already-too-much-TV addiction. Luckily, I have a power button within my reach, and can turn it off each time she turns it on. I am Mommy. I win.

There are cup holders everywhere. Not a big deal for everyone, but HUGE deal for us. My car has none, other than the center-console type I found at Walmart, right before our last road trip. So it is very nice to have cup holders - 4 on the center console, two more that pull out below the second DVD player (these two are very large - DH said he could fit a 44 ounce drink in them - and I think his eyes were glittering!). The third row has a few more. Not really any that I could see in the second row. That would definitely be helpful. But really, where would they put them? The dual sliding doors would not be able to slide, if there were cup holders. And, come to think of it, the top of the center console (in the first row) slides back far enough that the two rear cup holders on that (there are 4 total) are then accessible to the second row. So yes, Dodge thought of that already!

The dash is very well laid out - the steering wheel frames the gauges perfectly - no loss of sight, etc. Shifter is different than I've seen before, as it sticks out from the dash, rather than the steering column. But easy to use. And you can manually shift, if you choose.

I sat in the second row for a while, letting DH drive a bit. I was amazed with the legroom and headroom, yet again. I could stretch my legs out quite comfortably - and with my knees, I need to do that a lot. The seat was every bit as comfortable as those in the front. Arm rests were in the perfect spot, etc. I didn't last back there for long, however - the kids had turned on the TVs again, and my eyes couldn't take the movement on the screen, combined with watching the road. Made me a little car-sick. Unfortunately, children seem immune to that issue. But fortunately, the VES (Vehicle Entertainment system) comes with a remote control. So I was able to turn the TVs off. AGAIN. In case you like video games (we don't allow them), the Dodge Grand Caravan also includes jacks and outlets to hook your favorite game system into the VES (remember, we're talking about the fully loaded version). Same with MP3 players, etc. I haven't lived in a HOUSE that's wired for so much.

Tonight, MIL called to ask if DH could take her and her friend to pick up an oxygen tank (the friend was having trouble with hers, and they were at a church social, with no vehicle to pick up a spare tank). Dh grabbed the van, and went off to rescue the damsels. He really appreciated the room, the handling, etc. Much more comfortable for all the passengers than the Neon would have been (and with 2 car seats, three adults would never have fit in the Infiniti). It's also a great coincidence that, the week I have a van (and no, my friends didn't know I have a van this week), a friend called to ask if I could watch her son, and a child she normally babysits - she has a family emergency, and needed someone in a pinch. Yes, I can help out - I can even pick the boys up from school - I have the room!

The third row (in case I haven't mentioned it before) can, in addition to "stowing" at the push of a button, lay on it's back, so you can face out of the cargo area for tailgating, and still be very comfortable (there are actually multiple buttons, allowing for a wide range of seat-position options. And additional buttons ON the seats, allowing for recline and tilt adjustment). There is also an easy-to-find compartment containing a wheel jack, and another with an emergency flashlight.

There are two glove compartments, and the center console has two storage areas (three, counting the top area). Plus the stow-and-go cargo areas (under the floor in the second row), and rear cargo area. I wish I had a road trip to take her on. Might have to come up with one!

I warned DH that I am falling in love.......