Birthday Cars

Have I ever mentioned that Blane loves cars?

For over a month (pretty much ever since he has learned how close his birthday is) Blane has missed no opportunity to tell me that he wants cars for his cumpleanos. For instance:

-There is a large end-display of Hot Wheels at HyVee. He runs to them every time, pointing out the ones he likes.

-He saw a 1986 production of "Ralph S. Mouse" which featured a toy sports car (that the mouse drove--just like in "The Mouse and the Motorcycle"). He wants that car.

-He's asked me for a new hot rod more times than I can remember. He even has specs--black, and doors that open.

-He says that the family members coming to his birthday party will bring him a "box of Sallies" ("Sally" is what he calls a VW beetle--he has several as it is)

-He saw a crashed van on the cover of a book. He said, "I want that car for my birthday".

For the most part, I've been trying to tamp down expectations. Yes, you'll get cars for your birthday, but we'll have to see what kind they will be. No, you won't be getting a box of Sallies for your birthday. No, that car is too much money. Etc.

Us finding the balance between healthy delayed gratification and needlessly feeding greed is starting early with this one.