Friday, December 21, 2007

Bitchin' Camaro

My blog would be incomplete if it didn't include photos of Tyler's car--its existence marks such an important milestone in our lives. Honestly, I don't especially like the car. When I agreed to this, I really didn't know it would be as loud as it is. And I really didn't know it would have that "I-can't-see-small-children-in-front-of-the-car" scoop on the hood (the engine came out of a Suburban...the scoop is there so that the air conditioner would fit.)

But all reasonable concerns aside, the project did turn out beautifully. Tyler is super excited about this car, as you might imagine a 16 year old would be. I am cautiously optimistic that he will drive it safely and handle with care.





The back story...
Tyler's grandparents purchased this project car 3.5 years ago, as a gift for his 13th birthday (Thank you Grandma Jennie & Grandpa Allen!) Tyler has logged several hours in the garage with Grandpa Allen (of Portsmouth, Ohio) each summer, learning all about fixing up the car. Grandpa spent more than "several" hours getting the car to its current state. Tyler turned 16 in June and flew to Ohio with his dad to pick up the car later in the summer.

Sad days for Tyler...
Just a couple of days before the Camero arrived at our home this past August, Tyler caused an accident that inflicted significant damage to our truck and to another driver's Malibu. So Tyler has spent the past few months logging additional "practice" hours driving the truck on various errands, driving the Camero with mom or dad in the car, and also doing extra work chores to pay for the insurance deductible, attorney's fee, and court costs.

All is well that ends well...
Tyler is FINALLY out of "hock." Effective with the new semester beginning in January, Tyler will begin driving "Bruce" (named for the sharks in "Finding Nemo") back and forth to school each day. They are VERY excited about this new development. Please remember Tyler and Bruce in your thoughts and prayers in 2008. They'll really need every advantage as they brave the chaos of the Blue Springs South High School parking lot, where approximately 2000 other crazy parents allow young drivers to move vehicles around at exactly the same time each day.

No comments: