JEEP

So Todd's vehicle is always a company leased vehicle.  We used to own a camper trailer so he always leased a truck.  Since bought the motorhome last year, we no longer have need of a truck.  Todd's favorite vehicle and one he always dreamed to have was a Jeep Wrangler.  They are so much more affordable than trucks, which is nice!  When his truck lease was up, and for the same cost of his last truck, he was able to custom build his dream jeep through the very awesome, Starwood Motors down in Texas.  It took 6 weeks to build.  He kept the overall color and style a secret from everyone but me to be a surprise.  It was painted with Kevlar, not to be confused with Rhyno lining which is several times heavier. This patented kind of Kevlar was designed by Starwood and is their specialty with jeeps.  It is scratch-proof yet lighter than other coatings of that nature, weighing it at 200 lbs.  It really gives the jeep a tough look.  I didn't think I would like it- I love the glossy look of a new car!  But I LOVE it.  The only down fall is we can't really ever get an alarm on it because people walk up and touch it everywhere we go.  Not that we mind.  It's been a fun conversation starter with many people.

Todd and I enjoyed the time alone flying to Texas and driving this guy back home.

Todd, in Jeep Heaven.

This was my favorite Jeep in the shop.  Blue seats, decals, and strip on the tires.

Touring all their current projects.

And headed home.

  Not without stopping at a BBQ restaurant first.  Texas BBQ is the best, right!?

We had a peaceful drive taking turns driving/reading from the New Testament and New Testament Institute manual to study it with.  My friends and were trying to read a certain portion of it by the end of the year.  Kind of felt high on life after all that.  All ready for the Christmas season.

 Took this pic while passing through Moab.

(Possibly the true Jeep Heaven).

We actually stayed at a hotel there and just ached to stay a while!  We were on a time crunch so we couldn't have any fun there.  Such a shame.  Can't wait to bring it back, though!

We quickly learned about the "Jeep Wave".

There is an unspoken law to always wave to other Jeep wrangler drivers.

I had too much fun on Pinterest on the flight to Texas.

This would be MY dream Jeep.  Todd's will do :-)

I tried talking Todd into this seat for the back, but with a family of 5 fitting in the existing 5 seats, he didn't want to use up space unnecessarily.

But I just love how these rigs are like life sized Legos.  You want a water tank to attach to your back bumper?  A snorkel to drive through deep rivers or ponds?  A counter to fold out from the back door when opened?  A grill?  A zillion kind of lights?  There are thousands of parts and contraptions you can take on and off and switch out.  We hear it can be a real money drainer, which is why I'm glad Todd had his custom built from the get go with what he would want on it. 

Well almost everything...  There's safari doors for summer...

A light bar...

Gas cans and carrier...

This.  Is.  AWESOME.

So is this!

Because I actually kind of do care.... the hair needs a little help in a jeep.

With hair as long as mine, there is no seeing through the jeep hair without a hat!

Or a bandana...

OK enough worldliness for one post.  I've never cared about cars before.  I am fine driving my shabby plain old suburban.  But jeeps are so blasted fun!  They're life sized toys and take you places other cars can't.  We've quickly made some many fun mudding and climbing memories as a family in it.  AND, it has quickly started a jeep club.  After Todd ordered his jeep, another jeep loving friend found a great deal on one and bought it, and a few months later one of Todd's  brothers bought one.  Big plans for this jeep clan!

Back home our kids were happy as larks with their Aunt and Uncle and cousins.

We were missing the school concert so Amber made costumes for all of our kiddos.  It was a caveman themed concert this year instead of Christmas.

 So cute!