I’ve officially reached a whole new level of motherhood. I’m now the owner of a minivan, and couldn’t be more excited about it. Actually, this is a moment of pure family joy. It’s not just me crushing all over our new minivan, my husband is absolutely smitten.

We spent much of the past year thinking about and considering the different vehicle options on the market. I absolutely loved my Nissan Leaf. Had it decided to be reliable and perfect, I truly believe I would still be driving it. However, deciding to sell our Nissan Leaf, has taken us down a new and different path… A path that ended in the search for a new vehicle, and the ultimate decision to purchase a minivan – specifically a 2017 Toyota Sienna.

There is truly only one reason why the minivan is the ULTIMATE perfect family vehicle… We looked at SUV’s both large and small. And while they do offer the space, comfort, and the things we would need out of our vehicle; they just aren’t a minivan. We owned a truck, and while it was perfect for hauling all the kid crap and making trips to Ikea, it just wasn’t a minivan. We owned a small car, and while we could kind of fit the car seats, and I could learn to pack less stuff (hahaha, maybe, lets talk roof racks), it just wasn’t a minivan.

So, what does a minivan have that nothing else does? The minivan has sliding doors.

Seriously. Sliding Doors.

I’m sure that an SUV would have also been a great choice for us and our small family. But, at the end of the day I’m still banging up other cars in the parking lot with an SUV.

I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried to wrangle a strong and mighty 30lb toddler into a car seat, but the task is daunting. It is not a task that can happen in a small parking spot while balancing the ever teeter some worry of dinging the neighbouring car.

Seriously. Sliding Doors are awesome.

They are even more awesome because in the 2017 Toyota Sienna, power sliding doors make it even easier. I can now open the side door FROM MY KEY FOB and my excited toddler runs right in.

Minivans are also awesome because my toddler can crawl in himself! He can even climb into his seat by himself. this is truly amazing because I’ve spent the last 6 months lugging his 30lbs up and over into his car seat in the back of our massive truck. 

Power Sliding Doors also close with just the push of a button.

Seriously, after all this chatter about sliding doors, how could you not want a minivan?

If SUV’s came with sliding doors, maybe we would have gotten an SUV… but fitting a stroller for two (we need a new double) plus groceries, plus life, plus everything else fits better in a minivan.

Sure, it did all fit in my truck – but my groceries had to go in the box or the front seat. But my stroller occasionally got wet. And there was never really any room for the dogs in the cab, and thats the only place I want them.

That’s probably enough gushing over our new minivan.

Wondering which MiniVan?

I thought we’d bring home a Honda Odyssey, but ALWAYS take your vehicle for a test drive. Install those car seats, get behind the wheel, and see how things go. We were so uncomfortable in the Honda Odyssey that we turned around within 5 minutes. 

We brought home a 2017 Toyota Sienna.

It has all the space. All the space and more. We have SIX INCHES of room behind the drivers seat and the rear facing toddler Clek car seat. We have less between the infant Clek and the passenger, but the passenger still has new room, and the ability to slightly recline and relax. It’s beautiful heaven for us tall adults. I dare say the 2017 Toyota Sienna is somewhat perfect.w

Space & sliding doors sold us. Nothing else. well, and I think that the salesman at Toyota was really awesome – well until he was going over EVERY DETAIL while my toddler was having a meltdown and I wanted to leave. My husband says they have to be awesome… true, but the Honda salesman was just mediocre. 

So, I’ve unlocked a new level of motherhood. I’ve joined the elite club of minivan moms. I feel like I’ve accomplished my life #squadgoals and met my calling. Here’s to the rest of motherhood in my 2017 Toyota Sienna! <3

Do you rock the minivan? Or are you holding out? Think you can do it without one? Tell me why!

PS my new minivan needs some decals. On my last car, I had some super sweet puppy dog decals (because there were two identical Nissan Leafs in town). Anyone have some great decal ideas?