Monster Trucks!

If you haven't been, don't judge the Monster Trucks. Especially, don't judge the experience if you'd be able to take along a youngster and her grandfather. When I mentioned my intentions to a few, I could sense eyes rolling. Perhaps they're too white-collar or they think its Hillbilly entertainment. In any event, count me in. I'm a new fan!!

While I'm sure there's a significant fanbase of adults that enjoy it, there's something extremely special about taking a little one. In my case, my 4 year old daughter.

I've been to the Monster Trucks as an adult but without a kid. Probably about 15 years ago along with a buddy. It was an "eh" experience then. But yesterday, I went with the Little One and her grandfather and dammit if it wasn't an absolute blast.


The 15,000 horsepower, 10,000 pound trucks do a wheelie competition, a race over some cars and perform freestyle where they jump and do donuts, etc. All this in a space a bit bigger than a hockey rink too. In between competitions there were riding lawn-mower races which were hysterical. Friggin' things go almost 4o mph and there were two wipeouts which we were all secretly kinda rooting for. In addition, there was also motocross riders jumping sixty-five feet and doing cool tricks in the air. You know, where they fly like Superman off the back of their bikes and climb onto the front of the bike in mid-air. Great stuff! That talent never ceases to amaze me. No wipeouts there, though, thank God!

Also, the music they played during events was all up my alley. Korn, Metallica, AC/DC etc. so I got myself all jacked up.

Anyway, it was made a bit more special having Grandpa along. The Little One's grandfather, my father-in-law, is a great guy's guy. Mr. Fix Anything who tends to judge one based on how hard he works. And yet, he STILL likes me, lol. No more loving or complimentary man exists, but at times I feel he's unsure of what to do with his granddaughter short of putting her on his knee. So it was touching that half way through the show, she asked to sit on Grandpa's knee so she could see better. He was beaming as was I. Grandpa, being an ex-gearhead/mechanic thoroughly enjoyed the show and was able to share the experience with "our" Little One.



A few times I peeked over to watch him watch her and there was no doubt in my mind he got everything out of it I did. All his tough life he's been an extremely hard-working man. Working 60+ hours a week to provide for his family. I think at times he misses having been able to do such things with his children when they were younger. Makes me grateful I have to means to work a regular 40 hour week, provide adequately for my family AND be able to indulge in such seemingly frivolous pleasures for The Little One and myself. Of course, he was uncomfortable about me buying the tickets, so cool guy that he is, he sprung for $28.50 worth of food and drinks and another $20 for a little soft Monster Truck for the Little One to keep. I protested modestly but I could tell he really, really wanted to do it. So I let him.

Two hours later, as I drove home the Little One fell asleep. I carried her inside and put her on the couch (she's coming off being sick on Friday - poor thing) and she immediately awoke to relay to Mrs. Blogger her favorite parts of the day (which was when the motorcycles did burnouts - not the superhuman motocross jumping, or the huge trucks flying through the air - go figure). Listening, I found myself getting a bit misty-eyed reliving it with her and feeling her excitement yet again.

If you have a youngster in your life....your child, a niece, nephew, friend's kid or whatever...take him or her to the Monster Trucks in your area. Its not terribly expensive and you won't be able to whipe the smile of your face a full day later!


And........Please, please don't judge MY Monster Trucks :)




Ninja Turtle Truck was her favorite...Grave Digger was the crowd favorite (and won all three competitions) and her little Puff Truck of the Turtle compliments of Grandpa. Sorry for stock photos, my cell phone died.