Breaking the Rules

So while on our vacation we decided to let our oldest son drive the car.  The house we rented was on a long dirt driveway, perfect for first time drivers, so it was a perfect time and place.   When we asked if he wanted to try, his first quick reply was, “no way”.  We thought this was an unusual response for a 13 year old boy, but it didn’t take long for him to change his mind.   Our niece, (also 13) who was on the trip with us, chimed in and said, “yes”, with excitement and energy.  She knew a good thing when she saw it.   This response from her quickly changed his mind.  He wasn’t going to be shown up by his cousin, let alone a girl.   However, she had to go first.   Ladies first of course.

After my niece had her turn, my son got into the seat, put his seatbelt on and had to scoot the seat all the way up so he could reach the pedal. Very cute.  He could barely see over the steering wheel, but after his cousin’s successful drive, he had something to prove to her and to himself.

He stepped on the gas and away we went.  VERY slowly mind you.  He was a little nervous and took it very seriously, which in my mind is a good sign.  (I have no concerns that he’ll be taking the car out on his own anytime soon.)  He made it down the dirt road, accelerated well, braked a little hard, but by the end, had it down.  When the car finally was put into Park, he breathed for the first time and smiled.  Success!  He had done it.  No one was going to show him up, especially his cousin!  They were now in a little elite club of their own.  High fives were had and requests to do it again were already on the agenda for the next day. 

Pass 1

Pass 2 (note the change in facial expression)

It was a great two days of driving and know they’ll never forget it.   It’s good for kids to know that parents can have fun too and can break the rules every now and then.  I’ll never forget that day and have the pictures to enjoy forever.