So, Ryder has a *slight* addiction to cars.
He plays with them. He takes them to bed at night. He makes highly annoying noises; emulating the roar of an engine, the impact of a collision, and – my personal ticket to hell – the screeching sound of brakes.
Oh, happy day.
At last count, he has over 100 toy cars – a smörgåsbord of Hot Wheels, die cast models, mini Kinder Surprise cars and even a ride-on Fisher-Price Cadillac Escalade (or the “Escalegg” as he refers to it). I don’t even know how he amassed such a collection; most of the cars conveniently disappeared during my massive decluttering session, only to reappear a few days later.
However, if there’s one car that Ryder treasures above all; one car he plays with EVERY single day – it’s his die cast red MINI Cooper. Fashioned to look exactly like my own, it was gifted to him by his Uncle Adam after a trip to San Francisco, and he’s been hooked ever since. At first, he referred to it as “Mommy’s Car”, but now he correctly (lovingly?) addresses the toy as “Red MINI Cooper”.
(Not to be confused with “Blue MINI Cooper”, the car he’s been asking for, and “Green MINI Cooper”, the car he wants mommy to buy. Oh, and “Silver MINI Cooper” which is just on another level. Of course.)
So today, on a day when soccer practice was a little scary, and his little brother was a little annoying, Ryder was feeling particularly low. And after it was apparent that not even Popsicles and pretzels could pull him out of his sour mood, I decided to take him and Reid on a little road trip.
“Where are we going, Mommy?” he asked.
“It’s a surprise,” I replied.
Ten minutes later, we rounded the corner and the MINI Oakville dealership came into view.
“Ta-da!” I exclaimed. “We came to visit MINI Coopers at their home!”
Okay, so you know how parents record their child’s reaction when they are told they’re going to Disney? I wish I had recorded Ryder’s reaction as we pulled into the parking lot. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head.
“MOMMY!” he yelled. “We’re visiting the MINI Coopers? In their home? I’m so happy! I love you MINI Coopers! I’m here to see you!“
He proceeded to try to throw himself through the car window in an attempt to exit the car – so excited was he. Outside, he toured the grounds and took turns speaking to each and every car on the lot, identifying them by colour and characteristic.
“Look at this Blue MINI Cooper. He’s a good car! He’s a special car!”
“This Green MINI Cooper loves you Mommy. You need to buy him!”
“What? A Silver Mini Cooper? This is a special car! This is the most special car ever!”
And so on.
Friends, it looks like we’ve found Ryder’s happy place.
The showroom entrance at MINI Oakville.
“Mommy, we need to be taller so we can get that car unstuck. Come on, let’s go get it.”
Ryder stood here for longer than necessary, so I decided to take a picture.
After greeting them in turn, he had a special word for each and every vehicle.
Oh Ryder, always with your toothy grin. Even Reid is amused.
Although Reid wasn’t nearly as enthralled, he did manage to sit for a picture.
“I love you White MINI Cooper.”
We left the dealership after much coaxing and many promises to return soon. Who knew happiness was such a short jaunt away?
As for me, long time readers will remember when I first brought home my MINI – can you believe the lease is almost up? Now, over 3 years and another little boy later, I’m wondering if it’s time to trade in for a more “sensible” family car.
Probably not. #MINI4LIFE
That is absolutely adorable! My son was the same when he was that age. Always had a car in hand. Good on you for understanding that sometimes the smallest (and cheapest) adventures are the ones that make kids happy and good on you for indulging him.
Boys with cars are so darned cute :) Thanks for the kind comments!
I agree Robin! Lena, so wonderful that you created such a nice experience for your son without feeling like you need to spend $$$.
Lena that is such a good idea! My son is also obsessed with cars (jeeps for sure!) and you’ve inspired me to take him to the jeep dealership! I think he would have much fun!
So awesome! Hope you and the little guy have fun!
So very cute!!!
I can just imagine his excited little self, what a special day for him.
Way to go, Mom!
Thanks Tammi! Love those quick, inexpensive jaunts that bring so much joy :)
Great idea and adorable photos.
Thanks Delia :)
Loved this post so much! Ryder looked so happy and in his element. Good job mama!
Thanks Carlee! He had such a good time!
So cute! Really like the idea of indulging him, Ryder is lucky to have you!
Aw, thanks Alexandra. Love indulging the kids when it’s convenient and cost-effective!
Could your kids be any more adorable? I want a Mini Cooper too!
LOL go get one! They are a dream to drive!
i read this post on my phone this weekend and just HAD to comment. i love everything about it. a sweet little story about a sweet little guy and his love for the MINI!
Thank you so much Crystal – so sweet of YOU to say!
So adorable! Can you fit two carseats in the rear? John’s promising to sell the sportscar, and I want a little commuter car for work. I love the Fiat 500, but it’s really small, and I get the impression the mini is a bit bigger. Is that just wishful thinking?
You can definitely fit two booster seats in the rear, but unfortunately, two car seats is wishful thinking :( Sorry, there’s just not enough room. BUT, when the kids are a bit older, it’s definitely an option for you!
Such cute little kids and a great, inexpensive idea to cheer Ryder up. I’m sure he didn’t stop talking about all those Mini Coopers he hugged for the rest of the day. Ryder has a good mommy!
Ryder is STILL talking about them! Thanks Marissa!
Everything about this is so wonderful!
Ha! Thanks Kendra!