I don't generally get very sentimental or reflective in my posts but today we loaded up in our new car and took a drive as a family. Driving through nature with my 4 favorite guys gave me a lot of time to reflect on the many ways that I am blessed.
Here is our new car...it's a Mitsubishi Montero. 
A couple of weeks ago we decided it was time to trade in our minivan. It had a lot of miles and we felt that if we kept it around too long, it would start needing major mechanic work. We started shopping for a trade in. Neither of us was very excited about getting another minivan and as we test-drove different vehicles, I would just go along for the ride, physically and emotionally. We looked on the internet to see if we could find something fabulous. We happened to see this Mitsubishi online and in our budget. However, when we got to the lot to test it out, it had a sticker on it that was $5,000 higher than the internet price. We inquired of our salesman and he told us that if they could verify the internet price, we'd get it for that price! I was thrilled. As we'd take different vehicles out on the test drives, the salesman would drive it off the lot, at which point Spencer would generally get in the driver's seat. However, when we stopped to trade drivers in this vehicle I told Spencer he should just stay in the passenger seat because I was driving this one! I couldn't stop smiling. It's everything I wanted. It has leather interior, a huge sunroof, a tow package, the 3rd row option (so it can seat up to 7 people), etc. We got a great deal on it and I couldn't be happier!
Today we loaded up with a picnic to try out the Montero on a long drive.
We stopped to get a beverage. Here are the boys in their new seats. (They love the cupholders.) 
Emily & Jeff posted on their blog about a drive they took called the Alpine Loop. We decided this would be our destination for the day. As we approached the ranger station where normally we'd have to pay $6 to drive through the National Park we saw this sign. What a great way to start the day. And look at these fall colors!
We stopped at Vivian Park for our picnic. Other than it being extremely windy, it was a really nice place. We ate lunch and wandered around. There was a very shallow pond that the boys LOVED! It was also the location for the Heber Valley Railroad so there was lots to look at.
We continued down the road to Bridal Veil Falls. Absolutely beautiful!
We stopped at JCW's for an icecream cone before heading home. 
We are so blessed to live in Utah where scenery like this is moments away. We are so blessed to have our new car. We are so blessed to have each other in our family and to have the opportunity and desire to spend time together. It was easy for me to say goodbye to Summer and welcome Fall after such a fabulous day.
11 months ago
