Updates—Life and Vanagon

In the time since we last posted, our lives were forever changed. On December 2, we welcomed our first child into the world. Just a couple of weeks later, we loaded him into the van for a trip out to the frigid winter coastline of Massachusetts's North Shore, the first of many vanagon travels for Jacob.

Jacob and mom, his first beach visit.

Poor, old Ruby the Van hasn't seen much love recently—a drive here, an errand there—but no major trips. The last time out, we struggled to make it home and upon closer inspection, I discovered the telltale signs of a failed clutch slave cylinder. In warmer, less weary days, I'd definitely get my hands dirty and try to work my way through this repair/replacement myself, but it's winter and I'm busier than ever. This job will go to the trusted Vanagon experts at Greg's Repair Service.

Once we're back to smooth-shifting bliss, winter and spring adventures await. Jacob's car seat cuts into the sprawling bench seat territory that once belonged to Parker alone, but I think he'll get used to our new road trip companion.