Last week I was inspired by a lady in a grocery store parking lot to start this blog. I was loading my 5 month old son into the back of my 2006 Rubicon and a lady parked next to me said I would need a “practical family car” now. This is our new second car; we had it for three days at that point. We didn’t buy a Jeep because it’s practical; does anyone buy a jeep because it’s practical? Buying a Jeep is buying a lifestyle, a Jeep is not a car and that’s something only a Jeep lover will understand.

So here she is, our third and possibly most expensive child on homecoming day

Here’s the Jeep carrying my family, therefore making it a family car

I’m the first to admit, using a Jeep to haul a 19 month old and a 5 month old does take some creativity.

Dilemma #1 A stroller that will fit

The stroller issue; fortunately my 19 month old prefers to walk now so she wears a harness to keep her from running off. Do you know how hard it is to find a stroller that will fit in a Wrangler? I wasn’t looking for bells and whistles, just something compact and comfortable for my son. I finally settled on a Jeep Wrangler all weather stroller. For something that has the Wrangler name on it not surprisingly it doesn’t fit very well. I can fit it in the back when the top is up but given the season when is the top going to be up? It will fit behind the front seats but not without a few choice words being said.

Dilemma #2 My daughter launching things out the window

I love my daughter; she has a throwing arm that would make most high school quarterbacks jealous. When she is finished with something she launches it, especially her sippy cup. Her car seat has a small hole in the plastic surround so I came up with a cup holder that will keep her from launching it into unsuspecting cars. We tested it yesterday and it was a success, when she accidently dropped her cup she was able to pull on the cord and get it back herself.

Dilemma #3 Keeping the kids protected from the elements

Our new Jeep has already cost us a small fortune in accessories. A bikini top, because we live in an apartment during the week a car cover, Bandz sunglasses for the kids, sun hats with chin straps, saddle bags, the list is never ending. I’m really looking forward to getting the bikini top, today it was a mere 80 out and the black interior was baking us.

I’ll be posting to this blog on a regular basis with pics from our family 4×4 adventures so come back and visit from time to time.