Let's All Go to the Drive In!

That's just what we did last night!  The boys and I cleaned out the van, grabbed some Popeye's (superyum!), and headed out to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes at the drive in.  Good movie, great dates. I recommend going if you have kids - or even if you don't.  It was fun. I do have some thoughts, though, and would do a few things differently next time:

1. Start earlier - This is a problem for me overall, but last night I wish I had started the process earlier. We were clearing out the back of the van still when we should have been hitting the road, and that set us back for the rest of the evening.
2. Ask for plates & spoons - Evidently they don't give this to you when you order the humongo family meals unless you ask for them.  And so we had delicious mashed potatoes, green beans, and red beans & rice that we couldn't eat.  Kind of a bummer. Well... as much a bummer as Popeye's can be.
3. The kid(s) will be wound up - Just deal.  Remember that they can either remember the awesome drive-in y'all went to, or they can remember the yelling ("Just throw it into the big trashcan!", "Get buckled up or we can't go anywhere!", "For the millionth time, grab your pillows and get inside!").  Maybe I'll make sure we go in jambes, or lay them out before we leave so they're ready to go when we get home.
4. Sit farther away from the people smoking pot - Don't know how to plan this, but seriously, this is not what you want for the kids.  Or maybe you do.  In which case... well, I don't know what to say about that.

We had a great time and the movie did spark some good conversations. Plus, D spotted Draco Malfoy in the movie - maybe he has the moviespotter gene? We'll see!