Take 1 {A Trip to the Movies}

Today marked an exciting first in our sweet little family. Jason and I decided to brave a matinee with our little man. At just 25 months, we were a bit skiddish about how he would handle the many foreign features of the theater atmosphere. The darkness. The Volume. The sitting still for an hour and a half. The staying quiet. The last two are the real kickers...no wonder we were so apprehensive. But, Paddington was recently released (January 16th) and was playing at our local theater. So, since it was a rainy afternoon and Levi is loving the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr. and seemed to be interested in the movie trailer, we headed out for the 3:45 showing. Levi had just gotten up from a nap and we planned for a snack during the movie (popcorn...of course). 

As we pulled up to the theater, Jason and I realized that it had been over two years since we had been to see a movie. The cost of a ticket has gone up in price to $7.50 (FOR THE MATINEE...REALLY?!?!) and a small popcorn was ringing in at $6.25. I hate to sound like an old fogey but dang...this is OUTRAGEOUS! 

With our popcorn (tiny flecks of gold added) in tow, we headed towards the theater to take our seats. My mind was flooded with questions about how he would react to this new place and excitement for a new experience with my little one.  As we walked inside, Levi was talking up a storm about "Bown Beah." I continued to offer gentle reminders about staying quiet. Of course, he parroted back exactly what I had said to him. But to my surprise, as we took our seats, he crawled into my lap and became completely intrigued by the HUGE screen in front of him. He crunched a few pieces of popcorn but mostly stared in awe as the story of "Bown Beah" unfolded. His sweet voice uttered a few words in response to what was taking place but he mostly sat in silence. 

As the credits were rolling, Levi proceeded to clap for "Bown Beah" and look up at me and say "Again?" Be. Still. My. Heart. He absolutely LOVED it and wants to watch it again. I cannot wait until this comes out on DVD...it will be a must have! After all, it was the first movie he saw in the theater. Our outing was a HUGE success and I must say that Jason and I are still shocked beyond belief at how much he enjoyed it! 

So excited!

Ready for "Bown Beah!"

{We had a bit of a cheek-on collision with the mini trampoline at church this morning-little bruiser on his sweet cheek.}

It's SO hard to find the perfect piece AND watch the movie!

Daddy's Home! {Georgia Aquarium}

A few weeks ago, Levi and I got the dreaded news that Jason would be headed out of town February 18th for a business meeting in Connecticut. I would be on Winter Break (which is a major positive), but why does he ever need to go to a meeting out of town. Really?!? Don't these people know that I have a two year old and need him and want him at home with ME? My complaining  about this did not help...he still had to go! 

So...Wednesday morning, Levi and I got up bright and early to take Jason to the Groome station before heading out for "Mommy and Me" time. We had a great time but...we always miss Daddy when he's away! 

And today is the GLORIOUS day that we got to go pick him up in Atlanta. Since his flight was supposed to come in early this morning, we planned a little trip to the Georgia Aquarium. Levi LOVED it! He was mesmerized with all of the fish and would literally scream "PISH" every time we came to a new tank. 

These were some serious kiss-kiss fish!

Beluga Whales

Sea Otters

Penguins

And Sea Dragons were fun to look at 

but...

Our favorite was Dolphin Tales (dolphin show)! It was AMAZING. We have never seen anything like it! Levi could not stop talking about the "doltins." Even waiting for it to start was fun!

I don't have any pictures of the dolphin show. Photography was against the rules. 

The Aquarium was SO much fun but our best present was Daddy coming home!

My heart is melting...my sweet boys! 

Five on Friday {First One Ever}

Well here we are again welcoming another weekend! This week has been a bit of a doozy so I am definitely looking forward to some relaxation and lots of time with my sweet little family and some dear friends. This is my first Five on Friday and I am pretty excited! So without further adieu, here we go...

1. A few weeks ago, we had 2 year pictures with our sweet little one. I am overly thrilled with the results. Our precious photographer, Julie Brooker, met us in Milledgeville on a blustery Sunday afternoon at the old train depot. The venue was just my style with lots of exposed brick, huge wooden doors, and an old yellow tractor. The tractor was parked on the side of the train depot and we totally took full advantage. Although we woke my darling boy from his afternoon nap, he woke up ready to perform. Here is one of my favorites from this beautiful day. And of course, on the tractor! 

2. The day after our photo session, Jason decided to see if he could get Levi to smile on command...perfect timing, I know!!! These are the results of his efforts! Love!

3. We have SO loved reading this little children's book this week. So stinking cute!

4. As Levi and I were preparing to leave for work and school yesterday, he happened upon the ice cream cones in the pantry and insisted upon having one. After tons of talking and plenty of promises, I finally convinced him to leave the cones on the counter. The promise made was that he could have an ice cream cone after dinner and could even choose chocolate or vanilla ice cream. He proceeded to say "And Mommy?" I assured him that I would eat one too. So of course..."And Daddy?" So I assure him that Daddy will eat one too. After dinner, promises were kept and everyone ate ice cream...and who in the world wants vanilla when "chockit" is available?!?

5. I am SO looking forward to a fun morning with a sweet friend tomorrow. Local boutiques host a warehouse sale once a year with deeply discounted products. I look forward to scoring great deals on shoes, jewelry, and baby gear! 

A Few Favorites {From this Week}

1. So last Saturday, January 18th, we drove over to Millidgeville for Levi's 2 year (sigh)  pictures (more of those to come soon). Our precious and amazing photographer, Julie Brooker, asked if there was anything that we could give him to encourage him to stand still and smile...you know, a form of bribery. I told her that I didn't really think he understood that concept yet...so Sunday Jason decides to try it out and  the result makes my heart flutter and smile every time I see it! 

2. Thursday night, January 29th, my little love said the most precious prayer by himself! Jason and I told him that we were going to say prayers and talk to Jesus and the most simple yet utterly amazing and precious words came from his sweet little lips..."Jesus, thank you, I love you, AM (Amen). My heart melted as we told him how proud we were of him! He was SO excited. This little boy that calls me Mommy...❤️❤️❤️