the last of their kind...

this hasn't been a traditional Memorial Day weekend.  we haven't gone to any cookouts, we haven't sat by a campfire and we haven't gone swimming in a freezing lake.  but, we've tried to practice equal amounts of relaxation and work.  

i would be lying if i said we didn't love living maintenance-free in an apartment, but we miss having a house and spending our weekends on little projects.  i try to picture what we did this weekend last year and while i can't remember specifics, i'm nearly certain it included cookouts with friends and lazy days spent on the deck (thrown in with an equal portion yard work).**

we spent last night enjoying a dying breed of true americana.  i took jeff to his first drive-in experience (well, at least one that he can remember...his parents may be able to jog his memory of any childhood drive-in experiences)!  

when the idea was tossed around at 3 in the afternoon, i can't say that he was the most willing participant.  it's a 30 minute drive to the theatre (parking lot?) and he didn't understand the appeal of watching not one, but TWO movies from the confines of your car.  his hesitation came with a lot of concerns...how do you hear the movie (radio station or old fashion speakers on a post), how do you get comfortable (lots of blankets and pillows), do you really back in (do you want to watch a movie with a steering wheel in your lap)?

after a quick dinner, we loaded up the car with lots of pillow, blankets and snacks and prepared for our adventure - americana style!  after getting there way too early (apparently drive-ins don't fill up like they used to), we decided to explore and took a drive around lake morey resort.  the resort reminded me of the 1950's resort, similar to the one in dirty dancing.  hey, don't judge...it's a good movie and my only point of reference!  we dipped our toes in the water...holy smokes!  no wonder nobody was on the lake - the blasted water was like ice!  so cold!  check one off the "Memorial Day list!"  while we didn't exactly swim, it's was enough for us!

back to our drive-in adventure...we got there as it was getting dark, which allowed just enough time to get situated.  i convinced jeff that backing in (tailgate toward the screen) was the best way to lay.  after three different spots (no speakers on one, someone smoking next to us, etc), we found prime real estate.  kato doesn't really allow me to lay on my stomach, so there was a lot of maneuvering!  but, eventually we got it right!  the movies were action-packed and we had a great time!  both kato and jeff enjoyed their first drive-in experience.  

and jeff finally admitted that i was right...drive-ins are where it's at!  he loved the entire experience!  and while this holiday weekend was different than any in our past, i can guarantee that next year will be yet another scenario.  kato will be on the scene and we will certainly have to adapt our plans for the little guy.  we look forward to creating traditions as a family, though i'm not certain drive-ins and their dying breed of movie-watching experience will be around long enough to allow us to enjoy them with our children!  kato, you might be missing out...just ask daddy!  

**jeff just reminded me that last Memorial Day weekend was spent at the Indianapolis 500 with crystal and tyson.  we drank too many beers and laid for far too long in the sun.  pretty much sums up a traditional holiday weekend, sans kids.