Fireproof Butterflies & Chuck E

These three silly words pretty much sums up our recent weekend. Consisting of a movie, a trip to the bug museum, and Parker’s birthday finale, this three day event was not from the ordinary.

Our weekend started Friday evening doing something we don’t often get to do – see a movie. Jolie and I can’t remember the last time we saw the insides of a movie theater. Though Friday night still didn’t change that, we did manage to see the inside of a small, grade-school type auditorium. We would have been happy to have gone to a nearby multiplex, but we had a unique opportunity to watch an amazing film in an unusual venue. A local church had organized a special showing for the community and when new a acquaintance gave us an invite, we just had to be a part of it. It was held at a local recreation center and while we had to do without popcorn from pocket-emptying concession stands, we did have free child care at the facility. This for a $2.50 per ticket donation, which also saved us from horrendous box office fees. And still we got to enjoy a wonderful featured presentation – Fireproof.

We were unaware of the film when it debuted on the big screen, but now had a chance to see it with friends – Jeff and Tara; Brandon and Michelle – who all had chatted about it before. Fireproof stars Growing Pains‘ very own Kirk Cameron and is a Christian relationship drama with a strong message – fireproof your marriage. We thought how appropo it was to start off our Valentines Day-Weekend with a positive message. It is a wonderfully produced film sure to revitalize your view of your spouse, if not save a troubled marriage. And while we had Nina in the theater, she, along with the other infants in the audience, did well keeping their fuzziness to a bare minimum. She did cry once or twice, but the real tears came from the adults, including myself, as this brilliantly written and performed film focused on marital issues that is sure to hit home with every couple. Absolutely 2-thumps up on this one and a must see for any married couple. And for those who were big fans of the 80’s sitcom, here’s your chance to see Kirk in the limelight again.

Saturday, Valentine’s Day, was a cold and damp one in our neck of the woods. But that didn’t stop us from getting up early and making a day of it. Again, it’s a rare occasion for us to go out for breakfast as a family, and it’s even more remarkable that we got ourselves, including a toddler and infant, out the door before 9am. First in the agenda was IHOP – a favorite spot whenever the greasy-spoon appetite beckons.

One of Nana’s birthday present for Parker was a Vtech Kidizoom Camera – his very own digital camera. So we made sure he brought it with him to capture what’s to come in the day. So while at IHOP, we asked him to shoot one of Jolie and I at the table:

All was well and harmonious as the kiddos were both keeping the fuzziness to a minimum – Parker ate his pancakes and Nina sat patiently in her car seat watching everyone else stuff their face. Breakfast was short and quick. It didn’t feel like we sat for more than 15 minutes, which was probably shorter than the wait for our seats in this busy and crowded morning. But soon we were on our way to our next destination – Westminster’s Butterfly Pavilion.

The Butterfly Pavilion is a special place that Jolie and I have been waiting to share with Parker. Along with butterflies, there are also various bug exhibits and aquarium inside. One popular attraction is Rosie – the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula – who is more than happy to crawl across your hand. Though Rose Hair Tarantulas are commonly docile and mild mannered creatures, her size and hairy legs, let alone the fact that she is still a tarantula, will sure to test the arachnophobic in you.

The main attraction, however, are the butterflies. I’m not talking about some fancy taxidermy, bug collection. In fact, what stands opposite from the caged bug exhibits is a giant green-house adorned with exotic, tropical plants. The humidity inside is much higher and you feel like you just entered the equator. But in actuality, what you step into is a butterfly sanctuary. In there is narrow path that snakes through the garden complete with a creek, bridges and ponds. And everywhere you look – in front, behind, to your sides – are care-free, bobbing butterflies. Brilliantly colored, you will see a broad spectrum of species both local and tropical. There are both butterflies and moths in the bunch and the sizes of these scaled-winged metamorphoses range from small to large and even up to wings that can span the width of your palm. There are inviting garden benches throughout where you can sit and enjoy the sights of these beautiful and delicate creatures for hours on end.

Our day was near perfectly planned. We had been at the ‘Pavilion long enough to see the scheduled butterfly release – where they release newly hatched butterflies into the general population. And after that, we said goodbye to the Butterfly Pavilion and onward to our 1pm reservation at a near by Hibachi restaurant for lunch inside the Westminster Promenade.

It’s another first time treat for Parker. With the exception of Nina being startled and crying after the dazzling flame-up of the grill, everyone enjoyed the show. Of course, it’s not the same when the chef isn’t actually Japanese. I’m finding that the cook behind the grill is becoming less and less from the Land of the Rising Sun type. It’s all good … but there’s just no substitute for that Japanese humor (even funnier when delivered with a Japanese accent). Nonetheless, the food was just as good and the rarity of it all was cause enough for it’s novelty. The best part was probably the price. Jolie and I both had full entrees – she had the Salmon and Calimari and I had the Salmon and Chicken – while Parker enjoyed a dish of shrimp and veggie tempura. Along with drinks (sodas), we got out of there paying under $42 (tip included). Not bad for lunch and a show.

With a quick stop at the slab-creamery, Parker and I topped off our meal with yummy ice cream. It had been a great day for us. There were many first and certainly for Parker. And for Jolie and I, it’s just refreshing to experience a family day like this. You never know what kind of kids your kids will be on any given day. So before we pulled off the driveway that morning, we said a little prayer. It really feels like our prayers were answered … and then some … because if that wasn’t enough, we all even got to take naps after arriving back at home. That’s right … even mom and dad.

So how many birthday cakes does it take to celebrate a three-old’s birthday? Well … I guess three - three separate songs for three separate cakes. I suppose it’s not too uncommon. On the Sunday just before his birthday, we had a cake and sang happy birthday with our church family. And on the day of, another cake and another song with close friends and neighbors Denise and Scott who are like aunt and uncle to Parker. And then finally… the big bash.

So on Sunday, we were out of the house again to meet our 2pm appointment with Chuck E. Cheese. Just like any kid, Parker was a bit intimidated by the furry guy in the rodent suit, but he eventually warmed up to him. For the most part he didn’t pay too much attention. We both had pockets full of coins and plenty distractions in the arcade, pit-stopping only for pizza and pop from time to time. But eventually, Parker’s last happy birthday song for the year would come. This time via a huge room with other birthday celebrant backed up by the staff, music video and all the lights and glitter that comes with whole Chuck E package. Chuck E. Cheese is a place where a kid can be a kid and I really hope Mr. P had a memorable good time. But after getting the bill for the hour and half party consisting of only five pizzas and bottomless drinks … I’ll soon be calling this place the rat trap.