Jack's First Movie

Three weeks ago, Scott came down with the flu. The actual flu. So, I was trying my hardest to keep the boys healthy. He stayed in our room for four days, while the boys and I went about the business of everyday life.

One afternoon, I decided I'd take the boys to go see Penguins of Madagascar. I thought they'd enjoy it. I guess I was feeling brave.

Nathan was very excited! See this face? It says, "Emily, chill out. This was worth $26.00."

I was praying that Jack would do well at his first movie. See this face? It says, "I'm capable of anything, Mom--including, but not limited to, making you feel like you flushed $26.00 down the toilet."

It was a bit of a disaster. Jack sat quietly for about twenty minutes, and then it was, "Mommy, go please! Please go! Please go!" At one point, I took my eyes off of him for a second and when I looked up he was stroking the woman's face sitting in front of us.

We had to abandon ship after an hour, and I think the audience nearly applauded when we left. I felt so frustrated, and I had to remind myself of what a disaster Nathan's first movie was. I encouraged myself by thinking, "They grow out of this. Soon, I will be able to take both of my children to a movie without having to flee the theater."