An Homage to "Cars"

We have a Christmas tradition in our home. Every year we get a new family ornament that is telling of the events of that year. In 2009 we only thought it fitting to get the ornament you see below.

Yes, it's Lightning McQueen and Mater from the movie "Cars". You may wonder why we chose this particular ornament. It was so indicative of what much of our year consisted of, so I would truly feel bad if I didn't pay tribute to the movie, toys, dining ware, birthday party theme, etc. that consumed our 2009 year. Here is the photo proof.

It all started with me buying the movie and a set of "Cars" books (which have been read time and time again, too many to count).

Zachary seemed to be liking the "Cars" theme, so we made a birthday out of it. I was worried a few weeks before that he would grow out of "Cars" and that the theme would be ruined. Boy, was I ever wrong!

Zachary acquired quite the stash of "Cars" character toys, and he took them with him everywhere he went. Here he made a nice little bed out of grass for them on the back of his 4-wheeler. How thoughtful.

I really would find him placing the cars in the most random spots in our home. Here they are going for a bus ride.

Here he has dragged them into his bed.

One of my favorites: in the vegetable tray. I opened up the cupboard one day and found this little arrangement.

Lined up here, there, and everywhere.

My all-time favorite: Snotrod, Wingo and the silver Lightning McQueen under the refrigerator water and ice dispenser.

Zachary is doing something here, but most importantly he is doing it with Guido.

I thought that after Christmas Zachary would phase out of the "Cars" obsession. For Christmas, Santa brought him a "Thomas the Train" set that he loved. But, just a few days ago I came up into his room to find this beauty of an arrangement. It seriously was quite clever. I was impressed.

Zachary still plays with his other toys, but has not found the desire to give up his beloved "Cars" characters yet. They are still a daily fixture in his life. I guess I shouldn't have been so worried about his birthday party theme after all. :)