The African Queen

Last night Brett and I had such a great 'date night in.'

Everything fell into place perfectly.

The kids were in bed and asleep by 8:00, so we got to eat a quiet dinner, watch a movie, and get to bed ourselves before 11:00. We ordered a pizza, since the kids just had watermelon for dinner (and couldn't have been more delighted) and then we popped in a classic movie.

"The African Queen" is, without a doubt on my top 10 list of favorite movies.

And it definitely takes the number one spot for a date night movie. The first 15 minutes were a little rough. But once it was just Bogie and Hepburn on a boat, it was pure magic! It was filmed on location in Africa (before that was the norm) and the writing and acting are so completely charming. And the story is totally fabulous! It makes you want to go on an adventure with your one and only so badly!

It's hard not to write about my favorite parts,

but I don't want to spoil it for any who hasn't seen it.

Be sure to try mimicing Bogie and Hepburn's distinctive accents. I think I said, "Uh, Mr. Allnut?" almost as many times as Katharine did in my attempt to get her accent just right. Such characters, those two!

Dinner and a Dance

The mini mariachi band at dinner tonight was wonderful.

Clementine clapped enthusiastically after every song.

They came over and played "La Cucaracha" for her.

Of course she had to get up and dance and of course she needed a partner.

Thank you Aunt Emily and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. After this number they even played Elmo's World for her.

You should have seen the stars in her eyes.

Masterpiece

I love children't books.

And I am so delighted that Clementine AND Sammy do too!

Right now this is one of our favorites. The illustrations are completely darling, and the story is really sweet.

My dad read it to her the other night, and I think I may have seen misty grandpa eyes.

Plus, it's SO fun to hear my three year old say 'masterpiece.'

It's such a great word.

It feels so important and exciting, doesn't it?

Clementine loves to say it.

She doesn't just say, " I want to read this book."

It's always, "I want to read Sophie's MAsterpiece tonight Mommy."

(I'm trying to signify a dramatic accent on the first syllable there).