At the Drive-in

We made it back to the drive-in this summer (we decided not to go last year due to me being pregnant and then having a newborn).

Andy decided  he didn't want to go mid-week this year, but our weekends are so booked we were not sure when we could go.  We decided the 3rd of July would be perfect since we had no plans and Andy would not have to work the following day.  The first movie was Brave and the second was The Amazing Spiderman (opening night).

We spent much of the day getting ready.  From making lists of things we didn't want to forget (we brought everything we could think of and then more), packing a picnic dinner, taking a late afternoon family nap (to prepare for staying up way past bedtime...note Andy was at work and did not get the luxury of this) and tidying up the house.

While no spot at the drive-in is has a bad view, last year, we got a spot right in the front near the field in front of the lawn.  It was so perfect, allowing us to let the kids run around while we stayed at the car.   We arrived just after the gates opened and grabbed a spot in the front. A few aunts and uncles were also enticed by the movies and decided to join us. They had tried to go last week, but the well was broken and they had to turn around.  The two spots directly next to us were still available, so they were able to park right next to us. With so little rain here, the field blended right in with the gravel lot. 


While it was hot (tt was 95 degrees when we arrived so we were hot and sticky), it was a wonderful evening for the drive it as it got down into the 80s with a nice breeze during the movies and there were NO bugs, the silver lining to our lack of rain.  

Within an instant, Caleb found a boy around his age and was off running in the field.

 Lucy and Toby joined in as well. And in no time they were all hot and sweaty.

  

  

  

  

The movies, of course, don't start until it is dark, around 9:15 or 9:30.  Toby napped until 5:30 and Caleb and Lucy until 4:00 so we thought they would at least make through the first movie.  Nellie surprisingly stayed awake through Brave.  We had planned just putting her to sleep in her carseat.  She typically sleeps on her stomach or side and she was not falling asleep while watching the movie.  I knew if I let her fuss in the seat for a minute she would sleep, but we didn't want to disturb everyone else watching.  Finally, when Spiderman began, I went on a power-walk through the lot to get her to sleep (not until midnight).  At one point Patrick and Toby laid out a blanket on the field to watch them movie.  Every other minute, Toby kept coming back to the car for water, snacks, chairs, anything he could think of.  At the end of Brave, Lucy said she really wanted to watch it again. Caleb and Toby really liked it too.  I thought that the dad is Brave reminded me of Andy.  

We had set up a bed in the back of the car hoping they would sleep through the second. We cut off snacks and brushed the kids teeth so they would be ready to sleep.   

Caleb had been determined to stay up for Spiderman, but we doubted that would happen.  Lucy and Toby were visibly tired and though we were encouraging them to close their eyes, they kept them open.  Near the end of the movie, Toby asked if the movie was going to start so he could get some snacks.  Boy were we surprised when the three oldest were awake still at 2am!  

This picture was taken at 2:00am when we were getting ready to leave. 

Caleb and Lucy fell right to sleep after we left.  

 Toby just kept saying he was so hungry.  He stayed awake the whole ride home chomping happily on carrots.

  


Nellie and Caleb were up at 8 this morning, but Lucy and Toby slept until 9:30.  Everyone is a little cranky so we are anticipating an early bedtime to night.  I always say it is the second day after being up late that the tiredness/crabbiness hits a peak, so we will see what tomorrow brings.