We’ve had the family bus for a while now, and I’ve had some time to reflect about buying, owning and operating such a large vehicle.
The Good Parts of Driving a Family Bus
We all fit with room to grow
The Suburban was cramped. Every seat was full (and we didn’t all fit anymore), and the kids didn’t have much space. I didn’t see it working too well as the kids get older and bigger.
Our Family Bus Has a Working Lift!
Owen’s new wheelchair was approved by the insurance finally on May 1. It’s ordered and should be here soon. This chair will be a lot more supportive for Owen, but will weigh more too. I won’t be able to lift it in and out of the Suburban, and will need the lift to get it in and out.
I’m no longer terrified to drive it
Honestly, the thought made me freeze. Me–drive a bus? But Bryan helped me and pointed out that it’s really not that much bigger than the Suburban.
It has Lots of windows to open.
I was concerned about the no A/C part. But we just open the windows before we leave and it stays cool.
I can sit right with the kids
I’ve been alternating and spending some good quality time with them. Jayme likes to use my phone to look up song lyrics and we sing away, it’s so fun!
The kids love it!
Space, seats to choose from, and a stop sign. What’s not to love for kids? They enjoy playing on it while it’s parked out front too!
The Downsides of a Family Bus
It’s a bus.
You notice it! People took pictures of us loading up at Costco, which was kind of weird.
It’s yellow
Looking forward to saving up the funds to paint it!
It’s loud to drive
I can’t really hear much while driving–if you want to talk to the driver you have to shout.
I can’t sit by Bryan
Sitting with the kids is fun, but I miss conversations with my husband while on the road.
Blind spots
Wow! I totally understand the blind spot thing now. I can’t see what’s next to me if they are close. Town driving means pay extra attention!
And finally-
It’s tall
That makes parking garages inaccessible. And the only parking garages we use consistently are at the hospital for Owen’s medical appointments. Haven’t figured out a good alternative yet that doesn’t make me walk super far pushing the chair.
But all in all, it’ll be a good vehicle for us. And eventually driving it will be second nature–the Suburban used to scare me to drive too! I missed my Focus.
Focus, Explorer, Suburban, Mini-bus…
Our vehicles have grown right along with our family!
