Greetings from the beach!

The kids are getting bigger, and, each year our vacation ride gets tighter and tighter with the stuff, and, with the people.

The fine folks at Ford Motor Company graciously provided us use of a shiny new 2008 Ford Taurus X (formerly known as the Ford Freestyle), and, so far it's just what we needed.

When I first heard that I'd get to check out a "Taurus", I admit I thought, "How...functional." However, so far, we've driven over 700 miles, and, it's been great, and, I daresay, a lot of fun.

We're having Ford fun, Who knew?

It's what's known as a "tall wagon", not quite a van, not quite an SUV, and, there's room for everyone (this one has six seats), and, our stuff. We've had plenty of room to pack all the bulky vacation luggage, and, food, etc., and, everyone has been really comfortable.

As a matter of fact, the cargo area with the 3rd row folded holds two boys nicely:

It's really powerful (3.5-liter V-6) , and, so far, we've averaged about 25 mpg.

This model is also luxurious, not usually the first thing I think of about Ford, but, it is right fancy.
It has an onboard DVD system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and, GPS, so the kids are never going to want to give it back.

Actually, I'm pretty fascinated with the GPS thing myself. Drove around yesterday just to watch the little arrow thing move along the coastline.

The kids' favorite part is the one touch flip and fold second row seating. It's cool, to get to the 3rd row (which, btw, is quite comfortable for an adult) you push a button, and, the seat flips forward and folds itself up.

I know I'm easily entertained, but, so far, I've truly been impressed by this new Ford.

Actually, I've been especially impressed by the arctic blast air conditioning. It's really, really hot in Florida.

We're getting ready to take it fishing here in a little while, and, we've figured out that everything fits nicely because the 3rd row seats split, and, there's still room for a cooler.

For drinks. No one is putting fish in my shiny new car.

Yes, I can say "mine" for the next few weeks, anyway.