BBQ, a Cute Couple, Bumper Cars, a Big Leap Forward

The traffic mounted as we drove closer to Reliant Stadium where outside between the hulking stadium and the old classic Astrodome lay the 2012 BBQ Cookoff and Carnival. Once we found a place to park and purchased Spencer a jacket as the temperature dropped what seemed like 10 degrees since we had left Kingwood, we strolled down the sidewalk to our destination. Free BBQ (thanks to a really nice company that I do business with), carnival rides and good ol' fashioned fun stood right in front of us. Chandler, Savannah, Spencer and myself walked through what seemed like a stepped on ant hill of people from all walks of like doing their best to dress up like cowboys and cowgirls. As we approached the BBQ area, the intense smell of smokin' cookers spread through the air like a small mushroom cloud. We made our way through the maze of massive tents from corporations to professional chefs to finally find the one we were looking for, The Willis Group. Inside lay a spread of mouthwatering brisket, chicken, ribs so tender they fell off the bone and scrumptios sausage. All four of us ate and relaxed from our sizable walk from the jeep. I took in the smells and a load of memories flooded my mind as I thought back to the countless Rodeos I had attended with my family as a child through my teenage years when The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was held in the Astrodome and Astrohall. Great memories. The tradition now continues with the next generation of Cahill's, so it is on to the Carnival!

We purchased out tickets for the rides and upon a unanimous vote, took off for the everpopular Bumper Cars. Chandler and Savannah hopped into the same car...quite cute as you can imagine. Spencer was beside himself with excitement. We had just watched his favorite show last week, Top Gear on the BBC America, and there were bumper cars in the episode. He wanted to get in one of these ever since we watched the show. Now, his chance arrived.

We jumped in and I pulled down the safety bar over us. Spencer grinned from ear to ear as the announcer went through his schpeel probably for the 107th time that day. When he finished, we took off! I immediately scoped out Chandler and Savannah and sped toward them while Specner laughed and screamed with glee. We hit and recieved hits from numerous bumper cars and then I noticed Spinner reaching for the wheel. In all of the excitement, he wanted to drive! Why not? So, we were now being piloted by a six year old with an amazing fascination for cars. In his complete elation, he zoned in on anything that was in front of him that he could hit. I kept my foot on the accelerator at all times and never took it off. We nailed Chandler and Savannah countless times and vice versa all of us laughing non-stop.  Following this experience, I took a pic this picture of him. He demanded that he be outside of the bumper car for the picture.

We had a ball and it was the beginning a great memory.

From the bumper cars we waltzed over to the massive ferris wheel where we all got into the same booth that took us to heights were we could see all over the city. The downtown skyline stood in pride, the sadness of the field where Astroworld used to stand, the incredible standard of the Medical Center, and a gorgeous Texas sunset. The setting was a picture of symbolism for me. The sun had set on a life that I had thought once would be to now what it is and can be. Little did I know that a big step for a little boy was just moments away.

Following the beautiful ride on the ferris wheel, we strolled through the crowd for a funnel cake (after all, what is a carnival without a funnel cake?!) and a ride on a slide in potato sacks. We went through fun houses, haunted houses, watched a bunch of guys try to win prizes in the games and eventually came upon a massive slide and the kiddie bumper cars (a smaller version of what our first choice of the night had been). The slide, one the largest I have ever seen, reminded me of the one in the beginning credits of a show called the Banana Splits. Steep? Understatement. Spencer begged to go on it. Why not?! Not only did he want to ride this extremely larger than life slide, he wanted to do it alone with me on the slide next to him. What a huge step! I took a video of this on my phone. He laughed and screamed and smiled and screamed and laughed and smiled. I was elated for him. I slid behind him videoing and I couldn't help getting emotional. I was moved. Chandler was surprised. I was so excited for him. He blew my mind even more when he wanted to ride on the kiddie bumper cars alone! This is a leap for my boy. This almost brought me to tears as I watched him drive, be competitive, laugh, get intense, squeel for joy. He was having the time of his life. I sat back and enjoyed watching both of my boys as Chandler and Savannah had fun together as a budding young high school couple and Spencer experienced a handful of firsts in his life.

Spencer's attachment issues dwindled, didn't disappear, a bit as he rode a slide alone and jumped in a bumper car to drive alone. I rejoiced. I thanked the Lord for this. He gave Spencer strength through excitement. What a wonderful aide in coping for a little guy. Speechless again.

What a great day. We drove home. Now it was my turn. I smiled from ear to ear. My boys had a ball. Chandler made some great memories with his girlfriend as well as his brother and myself. Spencer gained a well-needed taste of independence. I soaked in yet another incredible memory with the two most incredible sons a dad could ask for in this life. Enjoy the video...yes...you will smile especially if you know our story.

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!