Going 3-D

Yesterday we made this very last minute decision to go on a "surprise ride". The concept of a "surprise ride" was introduced to us by some friends shortly before we moved to Nebraska. And even though we haven't done these rides on a regular basis, the kids definitely know what they are -- (basically an unknown trip somewhere -- the ice cream stand, the zoo, the park, whatever -- but the kids don't know what it is until we get there). And they always squeal with delight when we announce, "We're going on a surprise ride!" So yesterday we all got dressed and ready to go, jumped in the van, and were off on our adventure. The kids tried to guess where we were going - and had some pretty off-the-wall ideas. (Hey, they're six and four, what can you expect?!) But we knew there was no way they'd guess this one. We ended up driving to Omaha (two hours away) to watch the Polar Express in 3-D at the IMAX theater! Hello? What kids (and parents!) wouldn't enjoy that?! Our kids absolutely LOVE that movie and have seen it more times than we can remember. And getting to see it on the big BIG screen, in 3-D none the less, was even more exciting. (Although the previews - filmed underwater with sharks coming at you, etc. - scared our dear Ben, but he was fine once the actual movie started.) And the kids did thoroughly love the movie. They were pretty cute in their huge 3-D glasses (see the pictures below), and they made us smile when they'd reach out to "touch" something from the movie. And Kurt and me? Well, we had to admit that we really enjoyed it, too. There were some amazing computer graphics throughout the entire show. A truly entertaining experience. So, all in all, it was a very fun "surprise ride" -- one that will be remembered for a long time to come.