Top Ten Movies I Want My Kids to See

There are great movies being made everyday that I will enjoy taking my kids to see. But there are loads !!!! of movies out there that they would never, ever choose to watch on their own, that I think every kid should see. There are a few on this list that we have shown them recently, but this is the work in progress list...in no particular order.

10. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
9. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)
8. Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang (1968)

7. The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964)
6. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
5. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
4. The Princess Bride (1987)
3. Harvey (1950)
2. The Love Bug (1968)
1. Oh, God! (1977)
There are too many others to list here that are "must see's": Star Wars series, Ghostbusters, Bad News Bears, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Benji, Pete's Dragon, the original Tron.....a long list for sure. Maybe you're looking for something new to try with your kids. What are your family-friendly favs that I shouls add to my list??

sometimes you get what you need

My family went away yesterday  to participate in Adam's Cub Scout summer camp out. It was a sleeping in a tent situation. There is definitely a reason why I was in favor of purchasing our camper. I love the campfires, the outdoors, the exploring new places, the hiking. I like having doors that latch to separate us from the outside, and separate us from a bathroom. Of my own. So I opted out of the Cub Scout camp out, but Mark took the kids. At first I thought I would have a few friends over to my house for drinks and girl gossip. Then my thoughts moved on to just calling them up for drinks out. But ultimately I didn't do either of those things. When do I EVER get the chance to be alone in my own house? So I went for a mani/pedi and enjoyed the quiet of salon. Then I picked up dinner and a bottle of wine and came home to the quiet of my own home. I ate dinner lounging in a bean bag chair. I played Words with Friends to my hearts content. I poured a second glass of wine and turned on movies that I've wanted to see, but knew I couldn't EVER watch them with kids around. And I watched reruns of Glee. With the volume turned up. REALLY LOUD. After that I just went up to bed and realized that although my chance at a wild night out with the girls was over, I really did get what I needed. Peace and quiet and a bit of time on my own. But I sure was happy to see my family walk in the door this morning!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Wait

Like millions of others, I've been totally excited to see this last movie of the Harry Potter epic, Deathly Hallows Part 2. I did my homework before the big night. I reread the last book. I watched Part 1 the movie again. What has become a tradition for a few of the girls in my family is going to the midnight show. Jenna bought the tickets so we were set! In fact she bought them 3 weeks ago because she overheard at the theater that shows were already sold out. So knowing we had out tickets was actually the first part of the Deathly Wait. Sadly, Jenna's camping trip plans changed up a bit and she had to miss out on this one, but Mark has been reading and watching this year as well, so he was able to come with us.
Then I found these t-shirts online and I new we had to have them. I love them. They are colorful, soft, and super fun. And when Jenna gets back from her trip I'm totally wearing it again to see the movie with her. (I hope you are reading this Jenna!)
We decided to get to the theater at 10:30pm in order to get in line and be able to sit together in the theater. We ended up getting there earlier even because we got a call saying the lines were already in the parking lot! The theater had lines roped off outside according to theater number and of course many people were dressed up as the characters. We saw Voldemort, Harry, the Weasley twins, even Hedwig, Harry's owl. All fun to see and make fun of a bit! :)  Even arriving at 10:10pm for our 12:01 show, we were not sure we would be able to sit together. So began the next part of the wait. Around 10:40 managers came out and told us we would be let in shortly and asked everyone to stand up and move up to the doors. Around 11pm other lines were being let in to their theaters, but not us. In fact...it was 12:00 when we were actually let in to our theater. It was like the aftermath of some weird scifi film. The parking lot and front of the theater was quiet, silent. Popcorn, feathers, and other litter was left blowing around. But we were at the end of our wait at last! Not so fast. After getting in, we were NOT able to find  4 seats together, but at least in front of each other. Then we knew in just 1 more minute we would be set! Nope. The manager came out and explained that ALL the theaters were being shown the movie from the same projector so it would take another 15-20 mins  to synch up together. At this point we were just laughing. And tired. The excitement buzz had started to wear off.

But then it started. And it was EPIC. Definitely, definitely worth the deathly wait. Goodbye Harry Potter! Thanks for the ride!