Awesome Memory

A memory that stands out as "Magical" also happened at Disneyland which is known for its magicalness. I was dating Sandy and we spent the day doing what people do at this grand place. It was approaching the end of our visit. The parade was to start in about an hour and we decided to meet at the Crepe place (don't remember the name) and get something to eat or drink some hot chocolate. I believe it was Christmas time. This place is located on Main Street not too far from where you enter the park. I remember it was real close to the Abraham Lincoln attraction. We had our omelet or whatever and were getting ready to leave when the server said "Why leave"? "You have the best place to view the parade right where you're sitting. They start the parade right here". So we got refills of what we were drinking and 5 minutes later, it started. It was just such a cool, fun experience, one that we've always remembered..... watching the parade unfold so close to us. We were the first ones the characters would come up to. The whole experience was just wonderful. We repeated the event several times after, and while it wasn't as "magical" as the first time, it was still always a good time.
It seems like the last time we were there, the little cafe wasn't there anymore (maybe a victim of corporate America, and it didn't bring in enough revenue), but it's one of the memories that just stays with you for a lifetime.

Feeling Up

I went to see this wonderful movie today. My oldest son Ryan raved about it so I was eagerly anticipating a good time, and I wasn't disappointed. Without going into too much of the story line and ruining it for anyone, it is the animated tale of a man named Carl Fredricksen who after the death of his wife is about to lose his house to developers. You've seen the previews of how he uses helium balloons to transport his house. The script nicely sets up the story up to this point, which allows you to understand his reasons for doing such a preposterous thing. (hey this is fantasy, so you won't view it as preposterous).

I found myself getting a little weepy (I'm such a sap), 10 minutes in when the set up to the main plot happening.
The music was very well done as it covered several time periods and locations. The characterizations were on point. Carl is voiced by Ed Asner. Christoper Plummer (Sound of Music) has a main part. One of my favorite characters is a dog named "Dug", who is able to animate his voice in a nicely done magical way (you want to know how, see the movie).

There's enough in this movie to make the Kiddos and the adults thoroughly enjoy it. The humor is well thought out. When you're not laughing watching this movie, you're definitely smiling.

I highly recommend you see this in 3D if at all possible. I made a mistake and saw in in non 3D and plan on seeing it a second time. I don't do that often, so you know I loved this movie.