so after reviewing all of our options in light of the ever increacing poop out factor of my little van (the discount we get via my father's long employment with ford motor company and the great summer sales included) we have purchased a new car, fresh off the lot of a dealership. a liquid grey focus wagon with medium graphite trim, to be exact. this is a new adventure for us...i'm going to have to keep reminding myself that i don't have to return this car to the rental place. we pick it up tomorrow - and then we'll probably go for a good long drive...