Show Starts at Dusk

We have always been not just a Star Wars family, but also an Indiana Jones family. The last time we went to see a new Indiana Jones movie my mother was still with us and Owen was dressed in full Indiana Jones regalia. I remember when we got out of the car Owen got nervous and wondered if people would make fun of him. Get this: his brother kindly reassured him. My sweet peas. I don't have a picture of that day but here are a few from that era.

When the new movie was coming out we talked about it. We kinda wanted to go see it as a family. Honestly though, the thought of wending my way with Big Red through a movie theater lobby and into the theatre just sounded overwhelming. I told them we'd watch it together when it was on tv and they should go ahead without me. They reluctantly agreed and Owen and Trinity saw it last weekend. On Saturday, Leo got home around 9:30 from an afternoon of shooting trains and poked his head in our room and said, "Indiana Jones is at the drive in Gibson City," with that little glint in his eyes that means he's pleased.

My baby is brilliant. Mobility issues? Just roll on in! Sunday didn't work for Owen (unfortunately Trinity couldn't make it) so we got tickets for last night. Tal told Leo that was one of the most American things she'd ever heard....going to see Indiana Jones at the drive-in. I can't argue.

We went in two cars because nobody wanted the back seat (I know....decadent). We got there early and found a good spot and not long after the boys rolled in and parked by us.

I was anxious about Ernie so I didn't get pictures of the sign, but we did get a few pictures of the evening.

I'm somewhat embarrassed that we never took the boys to the drive-in. I mean I did a whole drive-in theater project for my master's degree and did some work for the Ford Museum trying to find a drive-in for them and did an exhibition called Show Starts at Dusk (all with my friend, Alice Cerniglia) for the Chicago Architecture Foundation many years back. But did I ever pack up the boys and go to Gibson City, where our closest drive-in is? Nope. So last night, as Owen said, checked a lot of boxes; the four of us together, a drive-in, and Indiana Jones.

Before the movie started , they asked everyone to stand for the national anthem. Owen looked over and asked me if this happened at all drive-ins. I told him I didn't think so.

And then, we had Indy.

During intermission I was delighted that they played the old classic shorts. I give you Mr. Chilly Dilly below. The only problem with the intermission was that we tried to start our car to charge up the battery. No go. Dead.

The movie was started again so Owen ran and rented a radio from the snack bar and we settled in.

After the movie (I don't know what the reviews are but all four of us LOVED it. Quite a romp as the boys said), Owen ran to return the radio and got somebody to come charge our battery. They were out a minute later and did it in a second with one of those handheld chargers.

The last week or so has been tough and Indy and the Harvest Moon brought it. Thanks guys.

Onward.