Wednesday, July 9, 2008

dinosaurs

Last night, after we put the kids to bed, Erik told me the funniest story!

We had stopped at Methodist hospital yesterday morning to pick up some x-rays before an appointment with Erik’s back surgeon. I ran in to get the c.d. of M.R.I.s while Erik stayed outside with the kids in the van.
I guess that Olivia was drawing in a notebook. Waiting impatiently Erik hears behind his seat, “Daddy, do dinosaurs have wee-wee’s?” And Erik, without much thought said, “Yeah, Livy….I guess some of them probably did.” And she took that information and said, “O.K., I’m going to draw one on mine then!” Then, the reality of her question hit him and Erik quickly responded with, “NO, Don’t draw a wee-wee on your dinosaur!” The next question was, of course, “O.K. Dad, did dinosaurs wear underwears?” Now, out of concern for the integrity of Olivia’s drawing he confidently said, “Yes, Olivia, they all wore underwear.”

Monday, July 7, 2008

Cindy's Tips and Suggestions for the Drive-In

Hey y'all

Went to the Tibbs drive in on Saturday night. It was a wonderful night for it!

We saw Wall-e, and then, after the kids fell asleep, we watched Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull...good flicks. Wall-e was a great movie, very cute, but for less than 4 years of age it is a little hard to keep their attention I think. Unlike most Pixar/Disney movies with the double entandres to entertain both children and adults, this film has very little language and uses the expressive Wall-e to get its point across. My 12 year old wasn’t real impressed either. Might be best to wait for video. Indiana Jones was great, of course. There weren’t as many chase
scenes it seemed. I don’t know. When the first one came out I was at the edge of my seat of course, but now, 20 something years later….after Bourne Identity, Speed, and Di Vinci Code I think that my appetite for adrenaline has skyrocketed. It wasn’t a waste of money… but perhaps it would be best to wait until it comes out on video and sit down with the whole crew on family night for an Indy Jones Marathon, you know?

Here are some tips though, for the next family that goes to the drive-in. Its great All-American fun and I think that everyone should do it at least annually and take lots of pictures, so that they too can talk to THEIR kids about it someday. You know, about what us pioneers used to do for fun when we were little.

First of all, this we knew, they only take cash....so don't pull up with your credit or debit card and expect to get in.

Then, Don't park in the front. I know, you would think that would be the best spot....but when you make SEVEN potty breaks, you want to be in the back, cause it's closest to the concession stand where the restrooms are. I thought bringing a potty chair would be sufficient, but, according to my husband, we aren't "trash" and can use the bathroom like everyone else. After about the 5th trip I was very irritable and fully content to be trash.....apparently that's no longer an option 

Next....bring balls, Frisbee, bubbles, airplanes....anything to keep them company for the hour or so before the movie starts. We know this, but it slipped our mind. Which was fine, there were a lots of nice kids that were willing to share....just FYI.

Also....don't just assume that your kids are behaving nicely in the van because it's all quiet in there. They COULD be moving the ignition switch from AUX to ON (without your knowledge, damn those Odysseys with their quiet engines!) thus
draining your entire battery---but rest assured Tibbs drive in has battery jumpers for just such an occasion. You have to bring your license to the concession stand as a deposit and they will "loan" it out for you to jump your car, then, of course, you return it for your license when you are done. It just takes a minute. But go before the movie is over, because they only have 2 and they get loaned out quite a bit. AND, here’s an interesting fact, even when your car won't start you can still listen to the radio through the speakers on the AUX position :) ALSO, good idea to bring an extra trash bag and flashlight for picking up trash after the movie is over.

Finally...If you bring Shredded Italian Beef, that you have been cooking in the crock pot all day, make sure you package it securely so that the delicious, albeit greasy, juice doesn't soak through the insulated carrier, thus soaking a now useless comforter. Also, you'd be surprised at how great a selection they have at the concession stand. We have gotten pizzas there in the past--YUMMY! We always bring popcorn and go to the Dollar Tree for cheap movie snacks...and we pack a cooler with Capri Suns for the kids to save $, but if you have $ the concession stand is a fine option.

ALSO, there is a Mug N Bun down the road (that also only takes cash) that is yummy of course....I just can't pass a breaded tenderloin!

Hope you all have a great summer!

RECIPE FOR SLOW COOKED ITALIAN BEEF
1 can of beef broth 1 jar of peppercini’s (with the juice)
1 large rump roast

Put in the crock pot on HIGH for 6-8 hours. Shred and then put on low to keep warm until needed. Great with spicy mustard and provolone or pepperjack cheese 