Racing with the Boxcar Children

One afternoon, Son #2 sat perched on the sofa watching a movie called The Boxcar Children.  This is a very sweet movie about four children that have been orphaned.  It delves into their adventures as they create a home in an abandoned boxcar in the woods.  My children love to watch this movie.  My oldest son is addicted to the book series and is now on his third Boxcar Children book.  The books and the movie are fantastic.

There is a scene in the movie that has a huge race.  The race is very exciting because the oldest brother of the Boxcar Children is competing in this race.  If he wins, he will receive a big cash prize.  The Boxcar children desperately need the money for food and other necessities.  Son #2 sensed the urgency in this scene and sat glued to the T.V.  My youngest son's eyes were wide with anticipation and his body was tense from the excitement.

All of a sudden the starting gun sounded and the race began.  The oldest of the Boxcar Children dashed ahead of the crowd.  Son #2 saw this and jumped with excitement.  Suddenly, my youngest son wanted to race as well.  He crouched in a corner of the living room and growled.  "On your mark.  Get set.  Go!" 

Son #2 sprinted in circles around the living room as the eldest of the Boxcar Children continued his race.  The music in the movie intensified.  Son #2 responded to the change and picked up his pace.  As he ran, Son #2 screamed in a garbled voice.  Round and round he went.  Past the sofa.  Around the lamp table.  Between the arms of the recliner and couch.  The oldest Boxcar Child rounded the corner and came into view of the finish line.  Son #2 took note of the latest event and began his final lap.  The oldest Boxcar Child neared the finish line.  People in the stands began to cheer.  Son #2 also neared the finish line.  He decided that he needed to cheer as well.  Finally, the oldest Boxcar Child crossed the finish line.  He had won the race!  Son #2 also crossed his finish line.  My youngest son had also won his race!  Son #2 stood in the middle of the living room with his hands raised above his head in a victory stance.  He yelled at the top of his lungs.  "I won!"

"Good job!"  I shouted in return.

Son #2 walked around the living room with his arms held high enjoying his accomplishment.  Then, he flopped onto the sofa in exhaustion.  The race around the living room had taken all his energy from him.  He watched the rest of the movie, cuddled up with his stuffed puppy dog and covered with his favorite blanket.