Double Wall-E

Starting in July, we've paired back Greer's time at the Y to three days a week. Given my recent freedom, it's a good opportunity for the two of us to have some time together. Whether it's at the pool or playing in the park, Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for us.

Given Greer's love of movies, we occasionally make our way to the Eastport 16 for a matinee of whatever's worth watching. At this multiplex back in 2006, Greer saw his first film, "Eight Below" - which he promptly walked out of. Good choice. He did the same with "Happy Feet", his second attempt....an act that gave me hope, as musical penguins are not my thing. It wasn't until the two-hour epiphany of "Cars" that Greer finally found something worth sitting for. His little bladder was about to explode, but he refused to move during the entire feature. This patience would be repeated many times at home, with Miyazaki's amazing Japanese animations, all things Wallace and Gromit, and my library of old Harryhausen Sinbad features.

Flash forward to 2008. "Wall-E" is the order of business.

As with other Pixar efforts, Greer was an easy convert. Although nothing has surpassed "Monsters Inc." or "Cars" in his mind, the "little robot who could" made for an enjoyable distraction. So much so, that he didn't mind it when we caught it again at the Newberg 99w Drive-In. Dressed in his PJs, and full of questions about how long it would take, we packed into the Bug and made the 30-mile trek. The wait until dark can be daunting when you are corralling a Greermonster. Even though he was guaranteed a second big-screen experience with Wall-E, the boy twisted in his seat. An agonizing 2 hours passed before dusk arrived. Slipping away to the bathroom felt like a vacation. Alex had almost gnawed through her lip - and Greer....well my boyo must have set a new record for "asks" as we waited for someone to spark the bulb.

Such are the joys and sacrifices of the drive-in devotee.