Another movie with the kids

Our first movie experience was Madagascar 2 some time ago. Today we decided to catch "The Princess And The Frog" matinee. We got there just as the theatre was filling up, so ended up with decent seats (especially considering the seats taken in the front two rows by those arriving later). Previews, then movie starts, then we break out the snuck-in kettle corn. This reminded me of walking to the Kensington theatre with my brothers and my Mom would make us all popcorn that we would sneak in.

About halfway through the 1.5 hour movie, William says "I want to leave now". I thought the issue would be either bathroom or falling asleep. I coaxed him into staying and he really started enjoying it. I think he was the loudest laugher in the whole theatre!

The movie ended on a very up note and the kids really enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it seems that every movie we see lately wants to introduce the topic of death. We really don't want to go there with a 4 and 3 year old. Otherwise, great movie.

Afterwards, we decided to go to Champs for dinner and were pleasantly surprised that on Tuesdays, kids eat free! Bonus! We had a nice dinner, then William fell asleep in the car as soon as he got to his seat.

Enjoying my week off.

Santa's lap!

We've finally had a successful Santa visit with both kids! Up until this year, Mary Grace has been too scared of Santa to sit on his lap but reluctantly posed last year because her cousin Catie was with her. Remember a few years ago when she would say "I care Santa!".

Apart from the untimely loudspeaker announcement at the mall, I made a wonderful video of their visit. I included a transcript to help you know what was said.

Mommy: Do you want to tell Santa what you want?
Mary Grace: A barbie van
William: I want Bendaroos
Daddy: One at a time; did you catch that Santa Clause?
William: A mean dinosaur that doesn't stomp and doesn't roar, bendaroos and that's it

Santa: Wow, have you guys been good this year
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: I think so, have you been helping Mommy and Daddy out around the house?
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: Wonderful; you guys got your toys picked up for Santa?
Mary Grace: Yup!I was playing with all my puzzles last day!
Santa: That's alright, just so long as you pick them up after your done playing with them, ok?
Santa: Tell Santa, have you and your brother been fighting?
William: Yup!
Santa: Well, no more fighting; Santa's watching!
Santa: ...something about my elves...?
Santa: Can you wave to Daddy and say Merry Christmas?
Mary Grace and William: Merry Christmas!
Santa: Merry Christmas; Ho ho ho ho!

Who's William's BFF?

I asked William "Who is your best friend at school?"

He responded "Joe!"

"Who is your second-best friend at school?"

"Nothin!"

Anne and I chuckled at how cute that was, then he said

"I mean nobody!"

Chuckle time is over, and proud parent mode kicks in!

Who has a brain the size of a walnut?

Tonight we were practicing reading hour (since William's teacher said he has trouble focusing during reading time) and in the midst of it, the book we were reading was addressing the things that all people have in common. One item was a brain. So Anne asks William "Who has a brain the size of a walnut"?

William stood there thinking and thinking, then cautiously responds "Jonny?". Dumbfounded, we asked him to repeat what he said, and he came back with "Nate and Jonny?".

He must have misunderstood the question, but we got a giant kick out of it.

Hope you did too Nate and Jon!

SNOW!

I love the excitement in the little ones about things we take for granted as adults. I was up early this morning and while having breakfast, I heard the stomp of William getting out of bed upstairs. Then a couple of careful steps as he approached the window. The the stomp-stomp of jumping with excitement. Then the gallop of hooves as he raced excitedly downstairs all the while screaming SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

I got a big hug, then an unfortunate question - "Can we go outside and play in the snow?" "I'm sorry William, but I have to go to work now!"

Pesky responsibilities; I would have liked to play in the first snow with my boy. But I keep telling myself that there will be plenty more opportunities.