The Traverse-1, My hubby-0

We went to Home Depot to pick up just a couple things, but you know how that works.

With my husband and only 2/3 of our clan in tow, the shopping trip took up a whole different turn. The original plan to just get new trash cans, and Critter Ridder in response to our ever so persistent resident raccoon that seems to be eating through our trash, dirty diapers and all, turned into a shopping spree. A good hour and a half and a too many dollars later, we were walking out to the car and my husband asked THE question, the one we didn't even think about while we were loading up our cart, "Do you think this will fit in the Traverse?"

Without hesitating, I responded, "Don't be silly, Of course!"  When, in all honesty, I slightly doubted it, and shuddered at the thought of having to go in the store, explain the stuff didn't fit, beg them to hold it, and make another trip back to my husband's orange haven.

As we got closer to the car, I still held my ground, after all bets with my husband don't usually go MY way and I am usually the one losing end. So I opened the trunk moved the car seat out of the third row and dropped the entire section down. All I can say is 3-45 gallon trash cans, an 8x12 carpet remnant, a recycling bin, broom, 5 gallons of roof cement and half a dozen other small containers later, my husband was eating my words.

I know a picture here would be ideal, but we got home and he quickly unloaded the car, he says it was to get the stuff in the house, but I think it was to erase the evidence that I had indeed won my first bet in 12 years.

Me and the Traverse-1, The hubby-0

The Philly Mom’s Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers who gave the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Traverse to test drive for one month and blog about our experiences using the vehicle. All opinions are my own.

Cold Car No More.

The Philly Mom’s Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers who gave the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Traverse to test drive for one month and blog about our experiences using the vehicle. Philly Mom’s Time Out has given us some fun missions to go on and and will be providing us with gifts cards to allow us to do so. All opinions are my own.

Mom Swagger

The Traverse is like Mom Swagger.

Although my mini van treats me very well, it is like a big yellow caution sign that shouts, “Warning! Traveling circus inside!” But the Chevy Traverse is a whole different story. It’s a luxury ride. It feels cool and looks cool and with all the accessories they’ve got in that car, it’s hard not to feel “smooth” on the road.

So, when they told us our first mission was to go to the grocery store, I giggled, laughed and shrugged, no problem, you call that a mission. No problem for the car that is, another problem for me and my traveling circus, who dare not disappoint when it comes to public outings. Why would I think this grocery store trip would fail to live up to my expectations, or lack there of?  The trip to the store in the Traverse would be different right? No kids fighting, no kids yelling, everyone put at ease and extremely calm, at least for the ride there. The trip in the store was another ball game, well, the same ball game. We started off the trip in the car cart, my 3 year old and 5 year old driving away and the baby in the front. And then they started fighting, one didn’t have enough room, the other wanted to sit on the other side. And then they got out of the cart and started off running, down the aisle, grabbing snacks off the shelf and then they continued fighting and tackled each other in the aisle, oblivious to those around them, which is not uncommon for my chaotic group. By the time we got to the register, the baby was crying and had a death grip on a lock of my 3 year old’s hair, who was screaming at the top of her lungs.  And my son was following after us, crawling on the ground “racing Speed Racer”, whom like some people’s American Express, he never leaves home with out it.

The only thing saving me from the trip to the grocery store was the car ride home, in the Traverse and well, my favorite feature, the Power Lift Gate.

And lucky it was there because it literally saved me when we got out of the car and I naively asked if anyone wanted to help.

The Philly Mom’s Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers who gave the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Traverse to test drive for one month and blog about our experiences using the vehicle. Philly Mom’s Time Out has given us some fun missions to go on and and will be providing us with gifts cards to allow us to do so. All opinions are my own.

Life's a Beach

I've always said as parents, even though my husband and I are in-charge and make the schedule, at the drop of a dime, the kids have a grip on the schedule and can make it go in the direction of their choice. For instance, this weekend,we were going to take a drive to the shore. Despite the cooler weather, the kids have been begging to go back to walk along the beach in the sand and on the board walk. Taking a drive to the shore, in the Chevy Traverse, would have been perfect. So this morning, I'm ready for a crisp walk on the beach but the kids, not so much. My mention of our impending drive to the beach, makes them drop to the ground, screaming in horror, that sends my head spinning.


"The drive is too long", my son spurts. "We want to go to the park", my daughter adds.


When things start out with disaster on the horizon, the day usually calls for a quick change in plans, so we head to the park. Instead of going to our usual park, right down the street, we go to one that takes us on a little ride. Usually a 15 minute ride, but we make it a leisurely 20 minutes, listening to music, moon roof open, even in the crisp 56 degrees, with the sun out it was still a beautiful day to cruise. I hop in the car, push the #1 button under the window and the seat takes me to my pre-set settings. A nice change from having to adjust the seat after my husband drives the car. He's not too much taller than me but that extra 3 inches or so, makes adjustments to the seat I always fumble with,  not this time, just a push of a button.


We made a couple quick stops along the way and just enjoyed the ride, which in the Traverse is not hard to do. 40 mph feels like 25 mph, bumps in the road are barely felt and the atmosphere of the Traverse is cool and calm. In the front seat with the 3 kids in the back, I didn't feel like I was cruising along in my usual mini van that shouts, "I'm catering to my traveling circus" but I felt I was driving in a cool, luxury ride. Top open, music up, the road was mine for the taking. Kids? What kids? Okay, cheesy but you get the idea.


It was a great day at the park, beautiful weather, sun out and not too windy. I was hoping to get them to run around and waste some energy so they could take a quick nap before trick or treating, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case, they were wired and ready to go. I did get some pictures in front of the Traverse. I don't know if it's a trained response but the minute I whip out my camera, my kids are ready to break into poses, any where, any time.

It's obvious the kids are loving the Traverse.


As we got back into the car to go home, they insisted we turn on the DVD player to watch my son's Geo Trax DVD for the tenth time since we've gotten the car.


As the movie starts, my son spurts out, "When are we going to the beach?"


And my husband look at each other and laugh, besides, that's all you can really do.


The Philly Mom's Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers who gave the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Traverse to test drive for one month and blog about our experiences using the vehicle. Philly Mom's Time Out has given us some fun missions to go on and and will be providing us with gifts cards to allow us to do so. All opinions are my own.


To follow the Chevy Mom Squad, hop on over to our website at Philly Mom's Time Out. or follow us on the Philly Mom's Time Out Facebook page. Stop by both sites to enter to win sweepstakes and great daily prizes!

Life Made Easy

Let me first say, I’m not easily impressed by cars. I don’t see a cool car and gasp that I want it. But one feature in the Chevy Traverse has me wanting to jump for joy, share it again and again and write home about it or blog about it. The Power Lift Gate feature in the Traverse is a feature no mom, no one should have to live without. This one touch, no fuss feature makes life easier. Imagine putting the stroller in the back, baby in one hand, loading the car with the other while trying to contain two more crazy kids from running off and into the street. You can focus your attention on what’s important. Load the groceries, chase the kids and when you get a chance, before you drive off, press the button. I’m in love with this feature, because it’s that easy. Great for rainy days, rushed days, cold days and crazy days.

Power Lift Gate.

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