Weekend @ a Glance

Where to begin?

Friday:  After a few weeks of planning and much anticipation - we did it!  We filled the 17-seat suite at the AMC in Maple Grove to see the movie Eat, Pray, Love.  Ginny and I gathered our friends together and met for dinner at California Pizza Kitchen before taking in Julia Roberts in EPL.  There were two full tables of stories, scrumptious food and lots of vino.  We finished just in time to walk across the street and find our seats.  Those who couldn't join us for dinner were already seated, feet up, popcorn in hand and ready for the show!  I truly believe that everyone really enjoyed themselves [regardless of their opinion of the movie] so the night was a success!  A few comments interjected here and there by the peanut gallery kept the movie fun during the slow parts.  I did, however, lose one friend before Bali.  Not one to waste time, I saw her gather her stuff and out the door she went.  Somehow I knew that would happen.

My review of the movie?  Well, I'm actually at a loss for words.  This is the first movie I've actually seen where I had read the book beforehand.  I really enjoyed the book.  Disappointed in the movie?  Yes, I guess so.  In my opinion, it was slow and seemed to drag on, while I eagerly anticipated the storyline that skipped sporadically and missed main parts of Liz's psychosis.  Would I recommend seeing it?  Sure.  Go in without expectations and enjoy two hours of Julia.  I promise the "real Julia" only shows through once (that I caught).

So, on to Saturday:  Another simple Saturday morning to enjoy with ma boys.  We had breakfast at the bagel shop which provided the much needed energy to spend the following two hours going through backpacks.  Yes, from June!  Funny how I swore they wouldn't do this to me again this year...  and that during that first week after school got out, they would actually go through and toss everything.  Ha.  The best laid plans.  After we sorted through the recycle & trash, they were eager to start labeling the new supplies and load them into the new backpacks.  Unfortunately, last year's model of the packs had seen their better days.  I'm hoping that the warranties on this year's backpacks will save us all from midyear purchases.

Henry was surprised to see that he didn't need as many supplies as Oliver.  I keep trying to tell him that this next year is going to be a whole new experience in middle school.  He just might be starting to see the difference.  They're both very excited to get through the month and find out who their teachers are for next year.

After JP got home from work, we spent the rest of Saturday afternoon/evening at my brother-in-law's house.  The weather was less humid and it was a gorgeous summer day in Minnesota!  The boys got to play with their cousins and the adults were able to catch up too!



Sunday:  Another glorious weather day - so much so that we turned off the AC for the first time in over a month!  The breeze carried through the house and cleared out the nostrils.  In the afternoon, we took the boys to see the St. Paul Saints play @ Midway stadium.  Knowing they wouldn't last long (nor did Mom on those bleachers without backs), we stayed long enough to have lunch, see a few innings and get home for another lazy afternoon.

Yes, indeed...  It was another lovely weekend spent with friends & family.