Odyssey going SF

We've been looking at couple BIG cars after family size got doubled. Our beloved Mazda5 has been stretched to its limit for outings. After checking out everything, (like these new 7-passenger cross-overs) but mini van, we returned to mini van and quickly decided on Honda Odyssey. I'm speechless after I checked off a laundry list of consideration for elders and kiddies. And at the same time, it's almost unbearable to think about owning it, since it locked us in at a different stage in life.

Let's see these requirements:
- Roomy cabin with comfortable seating for 7-8 passengers (check)
- With all the seats up, still enough room in the back for two strollers, ice-box, beach tents, beach chair, umbrella, and towels (check)
- Easy access to both rows of back seat (check, can't beat the dual power sliding doors)
- Good horse power (check)
- Easy to drive, we like to drive, not steer a boat, (check)
- Air vent for all passengers (check)
- Easy to get into, i.e. short enough for me (check)

No wonder Mini-van is still the choice for mommy's mobile. I think the only problem is the "mini-van" image thing. But the pluses are too much to bear. We will live with the image.

Last Sunday, we loaded up our new found love with age ranged from 2.5 months to >60 years old plus all sort of junks we could possibly need outside of a house, headed to SF for a sunny day trip. We first stopped at Chinatown for grandma and grandpa to check out Stockton Street. They felt like they've brought back to Asia, and grandma repeated we should bring a stroller cart to get all the fresh produce next time. We also visited a tiny fortune cookie factory in this alley way. April was the happiest person on earth. Later we enjoyed the freshly made fortune cookies with Italian drinks at one of cafe in North Beach, just around the block. Last, we went for fresh air and scenery at the Marina. On the way back, there are 4 piglets snoring at the comfy inclined back seats, while I drove with grandma chatting next to me.