Photodumo-Easter Edition

Party

     So olivia and the girls were on Spring Break last week. As usual, the first few days were peaceful and relaxing. After that...well it just gets a little too quiet. I was stuck in the bed sick the first weekend and after that I filled my time catching up on projects and doing stuff around the house. Every time they go it is always the same: count the hours until I get some free time and then count the hours until they get back.
     Before she left, Ruby decided that she needed a homecoming party. She wanted to invite GG and have pizza and lemonade and watch Wreck It Ralph. The most important part...was a cake. Not just any cake would do for her. She was very specific that she wanted a unicorn on the cake with sparkly hair and a bow in its tail.
     Some cakes are easy to find and for a birthday or big event, I don't mind dropping a little coin. To indulge my daughter for a random Friday night "party" is a completely different story. I was looking to do this on the cheap and grocery store bakeries weren't any help. A quick trip to the toy department at Target and the solution was pretty clear. Put a $5 My Little Pony on a $6 sheet cake and problem solved.
     The party was huge success and Ruby was stoked about her cake. She dragged the toy unicorn around all weekend. Even though the plan was to watch a movie, the girls spent most of the time playing with GG. They hadn't seen each other in a week and I think all three of them appreciated the quality time.
     I didn't leave olivia out of the fun. Her beloved Kindle bit the dust late last year and she had been wanting a replacement. Over the break she got some time in with her nephew's iPad and talked to me on the phone about craving another reader or tablet PC. I heard the hints and answered with a Nook Color. I made sure it was ready with a few books and her e-mail, Netflix, etc. It has been a long time since I saw her so excited about something. I also have a screen protector and case on the way for her.
     All in all, I would say this was a banner Friday. It is always good to gather as a family. This was no exception. Everyone was home, healthy, happy and together. Sometimes, you truly can't ask for anything more.  

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.

Photodump

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.