mel's vacay: a day with children

"Saturday! I know what that means: Summer Movie Camp at AMC with family!"

You are correct! So, this was another event already in the works. It's probably been years since Melanie saw an animated movie, but she was cool with it. Plus, she got to see Zach and his boy and Michael and his girls.

"Very nice. I'm sure Michael and Zach were just children themselves the last time she would have seen them."

Yes, that would have been Christmas of 2000, most likely, when she was down for that holiday. She was there for Christmas Eve at Frank's. How long ago all of that seems.

"Well, my dear, that's because it was a long time ago. So, what was the movie today?"

Oh, it was "Boss Baby: Family Business". Not really one of my favorites, but the kids seemed to like it pretty well. Next week is "Shrek 2", so I look forward to that one! Maybe Christina and Hope will be able to make it.

"I know it's difficult to get everyone together."

It is! I'm glad Zach and Michael are making this a priority. Their kids sure seem to have fun together! That's Alyssa in yellow, Leila in pink, and Kobe in the orange shirt. They were hanging out while the four of us adults figured out what to do next.

"Did you have lunch with them?"

Well, Mel and I were going to the Mall with Michael and the twins, but a sudden cloudburst hit as we reached the parking lot! But we all trooped over to Savannah Mall, only to find it locked up tight. Closed, and closed for good, except for the Target and Bass Pro Shop, since their leases aren't yet up. So, back to the MacDonald's for its play area.

"Well, I know the girls enjoy that."

Yes, and it was just them, as Zach had to go to Pooler to meet up with his girlfriend and her folks. Still, Mel and Michael had a great discussion about some video games, so that was good. But I think I am done with that fast food joint. There are always homeless folks in there and it just gets uncomfortable to have them come up for handouts.

"Heard."

We left after about 4 PM, to go find a new purse for the Melaness. She has had a time with straps on this trip! Her camera kept trying to slip from its neck strap yesterday, then one side of her purse strap broke completely today! Seriously! But she found a nice replacement at TJ Maxx, and practically as we walked in the door. I think we spent longer in line than she did shopping for it!

"Hahaha! Well, good for her for finding one so quickly!"

Right? That gave us time for a nice big salad before hitting the play.

"What? There was a play going on?"

Yeah, you remember. Savannah Children's Theatre actually had two musicals this weekend! So we had to decide between "Barnum" and "High School Musical, Jr.". Gloria steered us toward the one in the main area, and I'm so glad she did! Mel and I had a ball in the front row, laughing and enjoying the parade of clowns! "Barnum" was totally fun, with circus acts going on in the background of every scene!!! We felt that we'd had two shows in the one!

"Most excellent!!!"

And get this: this was a summer camp production. That means these kids had only 8 days of rehearsal before the show began. Only EIGHT days!!! Incredible! As I told Mel, I look forward to hearing their names at future Tony Award ceremonies.

"Wow!!!"

Right? I'm glad they still have another year or two before they graduate and move on. That means I get to see them in more SavChTh productions!

"For sure! So y'all ended the night on a high note!"

Hahahaha! I saw what you did there, slipping in that pun! Nice! Actually, we had a home-cooked meal once we returned. I used the Rummo Spaghetti No. 3 and the Bertolli Organic Tomato and Basil sauce that she brought, for a true italian base, with my cubed tofu and minced garlic. Two households combined in the one dish! Totally delicious, too!!!

And yes, we did end on a high note, watching "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", which she had never seen. She loved it, perhaps even more so because of all the frontal nudity from Jason Segel. He's such a hoot! Plus, she found the vampire musical to be funny. And we both liked the Hawaiian version of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U", made more poignant with the recent death of cover artist Sinead O'Connor. Such an odd coincidence that this movie popped up as free tonight.

"Right place, right time."

For sure! Now, off to sweet dreams for us! Thanks, Jason!

(smile!)