I have to agree with the masses here...most everyone who has ever owned a minivan will tell you it is one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. I just traded in the 300C SRT8 (totally unsuited for winter driving here in IL) and would have brought home a new Town and Country if they had AWD... settled on a new '07 Durango at 11K off msrp..
get the van!!

nice job with the retired greyhounds, they are beautiful dogs...

 

The minivan Grand Caravan with the Stow N Go seats. They are great I have the 3rd down now and the 2nd are up. When I go camping or traveling all are stowed lot of space.

 

Myself, I really think minivans are a great vehicle. Inexpensive to run and maintain, lots of room, they can fulfill many needs. Well, here's where my beautiful wife comes in. Heck no she is not gonna want one, she's gotta have the Hemi. So we have and love our '04 Durango. It replaced our Chrysler LHS, and I do enjoy it, despite the gas. Perhaps not as versatile, but lots of room for many kids and long trips. As for crossovers, she thinks they look like station wagons, so wants nothing to do with them.

 

A minivan would more than help out in your situation.. and congrats on whatever bundle of 4 wheel joy you bring home!