happy trails, heavy chevy!

Larry says goodbye to the Heavy Chevy (aka The Land Yacht aka Ol' Snaggletooth).

Over the weekend, we became a one car family. And we made a 17 year old boy very happy.

After over 14 years of ownership, Larry decided it was time for his 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo to find a new home. Despite the fact that we live in the 'burbs, we really don't need two cars since Larry takes public transportation to work. Having two cars was just a convenience for us - only really necessary on the rare occasion that one car was in the shop. The rest of the time, Larry's car just sat parked on the street - we rarely ever used it because my car is significantly newer and has functioning air conditioning.

So we decided to downsize to one car. And we also knew of someone who would provide a very good home for the Heavy Chevy. Larry's nephew is 17 years old. Like any teenager, he would've done just about anything to get his first car.

The Heavy Chevy was Larry's first new car - purchased when he was 25.

On Friday, we drove to Larry's sister's house in Maryland to surprise an unsuspecting teenaged boy. A teenaged boy who just days before had told his mother "I've decided what I want for Christmas this year. A car!" A teenaged boy who was told by his mother "I'm sorry, but you won't be getting a car for Christmas this year."

We arrived under the guise of bringing a birthday cake to Larry's sister. Larry asked his nephew to help him bring something in from the car. When they got outside, his nephew noticed Larry's car and my car in the driveway, and asked "Did you and Rachel drive up here separately? Why did you bring two cars?" and Larry said "Because this one is yours now" and handed him the keys to the Monte Carlo.

He was speechless.

I think the Heavy Chevy has a great new home now. A new owner who will drive her more often, shine her up, and take good care of her.

From car seat to driver's seat: Larry's nephew was only 2 1/2 years old when Larry bought the Heavy Chevy. Now he's behind the wheel.

The proud new owner, and the original owner.

As for us, we're hoping to do the one-car thing until at least Spring/Summer 2012. We would eventually like a bigger vehicle that can comfortably transport our two beasts (the four of us are rather squished in my little Mazda), but for now we'll enjoy the simplicity of only owning one car.

Also, Larry's 10 year old niece is already eyeing up my car for when she turns 16!

So long, Ol' Snaggletooth!