Boys and loud noises

Last night my husband and I had the pleasure (no sarcasm intended) to witness my youngest son and same age nephew at his first Monster Jam event. Silly girl you might say, I was completely unaware that we were going to a Monster Truck version of drag racing with eliminations and a 1st place trophy presentation. I had given little information, nor researched the event with the basic hope to capture the awe and surprise first hand.
Upon departure he didn't even want to leave, Aunt Lisa was the baby sitter for the evening and he didn't want to miss out. Shortly after hitting the highway he changed his tune, happily munching on McDonald's chatting away in the back seat. The tone changed again when approaching the exit all came to a abrupt stop as traffic was horrible!! In the front seat hubby and I did what most couple's tend to do, bicker in frustration debating the plan of attack as start time encroached. The question was did I feel lucky enough to walk by myself with 2 5 year old boys in 30 degree or under temps through downtown St. Louis? If I did at what distance would I do it? I being a chicken and living in the "country" on a "farm" as most call it, although 10 acres with horses is hardly a farm felt that city girl stuff was too uncertain. I did relent as the time neared the 6:30 start time, and MANY other people were doing the same.
Entering the dome proved an easy feet, along with navigating our way to the seats. We missed the National Anthem, but from the sounds the signer needed a few more lessons (speaking from my sing in the shower expertise LOL). Our seats were very good and other than a tall/wide man in front of one seat had little to complain about. Ear plugs were put in place with some effort, and small complaints by nephew from being uncomfortable just in time for the trucks to enter the arena. It was LOUD, and yet soo cool. Yes, I am a mom of boys who has found her masculine side. true growing up in the pit of drag races, and funny cars I had a little practice.
Truck after truck raced, going over 3 jumps in order to determine the winner. One truck even turned over, unintended in the first set of races. Cousin C sat on my lap, and #3 sat on Daddy's lap, or standing right in front of him mesmerized but quiet as a mouse. I inquired their predictions each race, and the boys generally picked the opposite of each other.
At the end of this first set of racing there was an intermission. Daddy headed out to retrieve requested snacks while both boys remained entranced with the back hoe's and bob cats changing the course for the free style portion of racing. Bounty Hunter was the favorite, #3 states he was the winner so he is the best. I am not sure how many words besides that were actually spoken. They were happy, and unmoved.
The free style is basically where the trucks do whatever they want to wow the judges and fans. This includes jumps, twists, turns, 2 wheels maneuvers anything and everything. It was a site to see. The first few trucks were slightly more careful than each following truck, eventually it seemed each ended up on their side, or top at the end. Flashes of cameras going off with each airborne trick. It was a sight to behold and nothing could stop me from oohing and clapping. By this time Michael begin talking about the "fire" (sparks) under one truck, the tire that another busted off and continued driving on the rim. The truck that landed on its side and keep sliding along until it hit dirt. The back hoe's that had to lift each back up and push off to the side. Yes, this was my favorite part. I got to watch the awe in his eyes, and hear the excitement in his every word. Soon cousin C and #3 were yelling about every single action the trucks took. This was what I had been looking forward to all night. The thrill on their faces, it was the benefit of being a parent that we all dream for along the way.
Time flew by and the event ended, we headed out to make it to the vehicle and wait again to reach the highway. Role play and imagination spewed from #3 in his own attempt and reliving the moments. His imaginary friend Little Fella the main character. Yep, this is another priceless reward I will cherish, and hopefully repeat for years to come!!