we are still feeling the freedom

Not ours, but it looks
just like that!

We set out to buy a Toyota (a Toyota Highlander to be exact), but the recent models are obnoxiously large. I am not one for overly gigantic SUVs - they don't fit my beliefs, or my personality - and more importantly they don't feel safe because there is too much car to handle. We knew we wanted something a little larger than the buggie and after finding out the newer Highlanders weren't made for us, we stared researching smaller Toyotas and Hondas. The results were somewhat frustrating; the Toyota Rav4 doesn't get very good reviews and I have driven a Honda CRV before and was not impressed with the view outside the back window (too confined - need more of a view shed). We thought about the Toyota Venza, but after comparing it to models in its class, quickly realized we weren't actually going to stray from Subaru as we planned. (It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.) I am thrilled to report we are the proud new owners of a 2011 Subaru Outback (certified pre-owned, but it is new to us!). While I know a Subaru is less than luxury, it feels luxury to me. We have a moonroof, heated seats, it doesn't rattle when you drive over a small bump, tinted windows, a clock, and an aux cable to plug our iPods into - the buggie has a cassette player (seriously) and the clock hasn't worked since the day we got it. It is also green, my favorite color. We got an outstanding deal on it and it gets great gas mileage on highways (win, win!). We have hardly driven it because we are still using the buggie for local commuting, but plan to embark on a long distance adventure this weekend to celebrate our five year anniversary. I honestly have to keep reminding myself we have it - it doesn't seem real yet - it all happened so fast. When I do remember I get really happy though. It was the first time my husband and I purchased a car together that wasn't connected in some way to family. It made us feel very adult. Not sure what we will call it yet, but I am sure we will figure out something. Click here to feel the freedom.