Vacation

Taking the week off, see you on the flip.

Back Seat

14 shoes, 12 socks, 3 pacis, 2 toys, 1 sippy and one bandana. 

Maybe we should bring this stuff in more often.

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Wreck It Ralph

     Several weeks ago we took the girls to the $1 Theater to see Wreck It Ralph. I didn't know much about it, just that it tied in to classic video games and that was enough for me. I had heard really good things about it but I've been burnt by hype before so I tried to put any expectations aside and watch it with an unbiased mind. I was genuinely surprised.
     On the surface, Wreck It Ralph is a family movie chocked full of video game references and in jokes that children of the Nintendo generation will enjoy. It is engaging across a broad age range and unlike some other films olivia and I have sat through with the girls, this one was entertaining and fun for us. It hooked me in the opening scene and exposition and held me until the finish.
     We made it a point to get the first film Ruby saw in the theater on DVD and we did the same with this one as it was Sailor's first. We've watched it as a family again and every time I discover new layers in the characters and themes. The people behind this film did a really good job of including a message without bashing you over the head with it. There is a depth to the characters that is often lacking in family films.
     If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Even if you don't have kids, you'll enjoy it. If you grew up spending your weekends burning through your allowance in a dimly lit, beeping and buzzing arcade then you will really enjoy it. If you are seriously into video games, this is your film. There are so many references you'll need the Blu-Ray to pause, rewind and explore. In any case, this one is a winner. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

     Ruby is getting really into letters and writing so we figured it was time to move her into her first real book. We selected Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory not only because it is a classic that olivia and I both love but also because Ruby loved the movie and we figured her interest in it would translate into her interest in the book. It also has some pictures so we aren't going cold turkey from her other books and she still gets her normal picture book story time.
     Every night before she goes to bed we read one chapter. So far she is really into it and asks a lot of questions. Its kind of amazing that an energetic go, go, go personality like hers will become completely calm and sedate to listen to the story. She was upset last night that we only did one chapter but it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I understand her frustration. 
     At one chapter a night it will take us about a month to finish it. Actually, it will take a bit longer because if she doesn't behave, we will be taking away story time as a punishment. I am excited about her interest and can't wait until she is selecting books and reading them on her own.

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Picnic and a movie edition...

The Story Behind the Video

So apparently people REALLY liked the Harlem Shake-ish video that was posted on Friday. A couple people even wanted to know more about it. So here we are...

It was a routine weekday and we were all getting a little cabin fever here at home so we decided to go to the mall. Again, I am a huge fan of the mall as you don't have to spend any money or have an objective and nobody will ever ask you to leave. It's also great for the girls. I let them walk, explore, etc and during the day on a weekday, there isn't a lot of foot traffic to impede them.

We were making a lap around bottom level and we reached one of those trendy stores that always has music blaring out the front door. I won't say the name but it rhymes with Schlabercrombie and Glitch. Once Ruby and Sailor heard the music it turned into a dance party. The dance party drew spectators, people walking stopped to watch and employees came out of stores to see. It was pretty awesome. 

Contrary to what you might think after looking at this blog, I don't keep a camera running on the girls 24/7 so I didn't get the initial (and best) event on tape but after we hit the end anchor and made a u-turn I had my cell phone rolling and got the 2nd go round. Below is the unedited video.

I love my girls. I love that so many of you love them too.

Yep, I went there...kind of.

So I jumped on the bandwagon. The footage made me laugh...I think it was worth it.

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Extended the vacation to Monday, it was worth it.