Creative Cardboard

It all started with a mom having a conversation with her 5 year old son. Shanelle was sharing memories of how her and her sister would do box car races every year. Box as in cardboard box. The sisters loved working on their cars in preparation for the big race. She beams as she finished the story. Her son, following along with rapt attention, says, "Why would anyone want to race with a cardboard box?" Time for an object lesson. On a rainy Saturday we all gathered to enjoy the First Annual Box Car Race.

Aubrey stands ready, complete with accessories for the start of the race.
Here I am with my favorite to win. Breaux had a little design work help from his dad and was a bit of a cheater with a little electric car under the cardboard. We can cut him a little slack. At 18 months he is a bit new at the whole walking thing. The concept of heading toward the finish line was a bit unclear. Wherever he turned his head, that is where the car went.

Here is Katlyn and Brianne who didn't let the theme 'kid's' car race deter them. Actually the adults were donning kids cars by the end to try their hand at the race. My husband has already planned out his vehicle for next year. I best not give away his secret but it will be out of this world.

Ricco was more interested in the ice chips dumped on the ground than the race. Too cute in his car but again not really interested in the finish line.

Laya has us all rolling with her ice cream truck. Her mom actually downloaded bad ice cream truck music onto an ipod. The ipod, on a speaker, was in Laya's backpack. Laya's mom is pregnant. She admitted that when she bought all the ice cream for the truck advertisements the cashier commented on her intense cravings. She just smiled and laughed. How could you explain the cardboard car race competition.

I will be honest. On a cold and rainy Saturday I had no interest in standing around getting wet watching cardboard get soggy. But I promised my friend Adabell I would go to cheer on Breaux. And I loved the idea of creative, fun, family activity and wanted to show my support. Was it worth it? When 8 year old Bricyon was running his race he fell. His arms were inside his box and for about 8 seconds there was nothing but a cardboard car with flailing rubber boots sticking out. He did eventually right himself and finish the race.

I had a great time and forgot all about the rain.