Dad deserves to have fun car

Is it possible to have a car that is good for a large family and fun? That question is being asked a whole bunch around our house right now. We have known families with two or three kids that drive fun cars. Things like Mustangs, Jeeps, Camaros and the occasional European sports car. Well, we have a family car called a Honda Pilot. There's nothing sporty or flashy about it, just a good car with seating for eight. We have as a family of six had occasion to fill every single seat in our family vehicle.

Our other vehicle is a truck with an extended cab. To and from work my husband has managed to burn $100+ a week in gas. He has also had it overheat on him a couple of times and slipped frequently on the ice in bad weather. For weeks now he has looked at, researched, and test driven many styles of vehicle. I like to call him the ultimate consumer because he truly puts effort into understanding any purchase he makes. From fuel-efficient compacts, to muscle cars and 4-wheel drive SUVs, he has ranged far and wide to locate a good second car.

But at the core of it all seems to be a dilemma that I think every family man faces, balancing family needs with the fun factor of driving. Who wouldn't want to have a car with some zip that you can go on dates in? Also isn't it nice to have good handling, and maybe a convertible to enjoy the motorcycle experience without the burden of extra gear?

One of the cars he truly enjoyed was the new Fiat … nimble, light, turns on a dime but only seats four. Not a problem as long as you only have to take two back seat kids at a time. In a few months there will be an astounding five kids in our family. That means three little buddies get left behind when Daddy takes the kids for an adventure. I don't think any of the buddies would like that idea.

Now, my husband does have one little buddy on board with his desire for the fast lane, our 4-year-old made his feeling clear yesterday. "Daddy, your truck is boring. You need to buy a sports car. I think a Mustang, maybe a Camaro. A big engine would be fine." Now he just has to work on the rest of us. In reality when it comes down to it he can get what ever he wants because he is an awesome husband and dad. Awesome dads deserve a little fun every once in awhile.

Rebecca Adling started life as an Air Force brat and is now enjoying life as a mother raising her own pile of adorable Air Force brats.