Boys' Toys

"Little boys like little (inexpensive) toys, big boys like big (expensive) toys." These were words of wisdom (warning) to me from my father when my son was young. I don't have any brothers, so my father was always a little worried that I wouldn't quite know what to do with a son.

Unfortunately, my father was correct my son's case. A youthful interest in toy cars gave way to an interest in the real thing. Fortunately, there are local opportunities to see some great cars, without having to buy one.

The Bluesmobile Cruise Nights are just up Northwest Highway from the Des Plaines Public Library on Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m. They are held in the Metra parking lot at Route 83 and Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect. Each week features a different theme , so there are always new cars to see. (Don't tell the "boys" at my house that Corvette Night is August 27. That is a way too expensive toy for us. We'll stick to reading Corvette by Michael Bradley.)

The Des Plaines Fall Fest at Lake Park will also include a car show on Sept 17 and 18.

Do you know of any other local Cruise nights or car shows? Let me know so I can drive on over.

Celebrating Dad

Socks. And Soap on a Rope. And Old Spice. These are the gifts that my dad graciously accepted every Christmas, Birthday and Father's Day as I was growing up. I just knew that he would love a well wrapped package of socks because often I would see his big toe peeking out of his old socks. And there was always a soap on the rope hanging in the shower (maybe because dad got a new one three times a year) so I was sure that would be a winner. And Old Spice. Who could resist those red gift boxes?

As I got older I realized that there was so much more than socks, cologne and soap to my dad. It turns out he is a gardener, a music lover, a traveler and a reader. At least once a month my dad and I have lunch together, talk about our lives, current events, whatever comes to mind. It's from these conversations that I gain inspiration for my dad's gifts nowadays. Maybe this Father's Day I'll get him a book about the gold rush in Montana, a CD of Frankie Valli songs or a planter of flowers for his patio. Or maybe, just for old times sake, I'll give him a pair of socks.


On Father's Day take a couple of minutes with your children to think about all of the roles that their father plays in their lives, then see how many of those are mentioned in 33 Uses for a Dad.

It’s always fun to spend the day with Dad. Help your children get some ideas from Little Bear in Me and My Dad and a young boy in Papa and Me as they spend some time with their fathers.