As my reader(s) know, I'm a big movie fan! Cathy was away tonight at a Kitchen Studio class so I thought my little boy and I would have a "night at the movies!" Now, #1son is only 3.5 years old, so we weren't actually going to a theater (though, that will come when Toy Story 3 releases this summer). In stead, we made popcorn, got out the SweetTarts and drinks, moved the sofa to right in front of the TV, turned out the lights and turned on the movie "UP!" He hadn't seen "UP!" so it was a real treat!

Anyone who has seen this wonderful piece of digital art knows that it will make you cry like a little girl that just was told there is no Santa Clause. I've seen it 4 times now and can say it's effect is not lessoned by repetition. In the beginning of the movie we see a montage the life of the main character (Carl Frederickson) with his wife (Ellie). Wordlessly, we are told of their marriage, dreams, sorrows (infertility) and Ellie's ultimate passing... Anyway, I'm describing to him what the montage is illustrating and he's snuggling up to me closer. Elle's death didn't seem to bother him that much (I don't think he understands the whole "death" thing yet). Short story is, he liked it! He managed to stay focused on it an hour and 10 minutes into the movie- better than I expected.

I'm thinking that the "night at the movies" will be a monthly thing. He really liked the special night aspect of it and I've got to work him up to staying focus on a full-length movie by summer (Toy Story 3)!

BTW- this "movie-night" is counter-balanced by many hours of one-on-one father-son play! Don't judge me ;)