Some Traditions Are Worth Continuing

A couple weeks ago, I picked Silas up from pre-school and took him to his first movie at the movie theater. I truly felt giddy and emotional driving to his school to get him. I was so excited to make this ordinary Thursday a magical day for my son. This was a MAJOR deal to me because I remember my own mother picking me up from preschool and taking me to see the Lion King back in 1994, when I was about Silas's age. Maybe that's the reason I LOVE going to the movies. In fact, I love it so much I used to go by myself often (pre kids, pre husband). I've been patiently waiting for the right time to take Silas as his attention span with movies has only recently started to expand. Honestly, I think he started to get through entire movies when we were in Europe and had family movie night almost every night at our St. Remy house.

He only knew about the movie theater from an episode of Trash Truck but as we walked out of his school and loaded up into the car, I excitedly explained to him that we could get popcorn and candy (don't tell dad) and whatever snacks and drinks he wanted because this was HIS special day. I want to make sure he remembers this experience like I remember my own.

The funny thing is though, I don't actually remember sitting in the theater watching the movie or eating popcorn. I know it happened, but the parts I remember were my mom picking me up from school and then me standing outside the theater looking at the movie poster. I had a friend tell me recently that that memory is likely an early childhood memory, considering I was 4.5 years old. I think the reason it always stuck with me is because my mom made it a BIG deal. Her picking me up from school signaled this was for something special. Just me and mom. I had a 1 year old brother at that point, so I'm sure it was harder for her to give me the attention she wanted to, but not that day. That day was OUR day.

As Silas and I drove to the theater, I put on the soundtrack to the original movie. Moana is one of his favorite Disney movies, so I knew the live action remake would be perfect for his first theater experience.

We were there pretty early and loaded up on popcorn and M&Ms.

He kept asking "Is this the movie?", so I had to explain to him the previews come first. Eventually the movie began and he got really quiet as the lights dimmed and music started.

He watched this new take on his favorite scenes and songs in wonder at the giant screen. It was a great remake, but mostly I couldn't stop staring at him as I held his hand.

About halfway through he got a little antsy, so I ordered a pizza and a milkshake to our seats - movie theaters these days have got It figured out.

With about 8 minutes left, he had to go potty (of course). So we rushed out to the restroom and rushed back in, just in time to watch the ending together.

He fell asleep in the car on the 10-minute drive home. He may not remember this day, but I won't soon forget it.

Magic, MANAGED.