Date Night Take Two

One night, before the Christmas visit from our oldest Son, we had mind-sucking aliens enter our house. Since all of our memories were erased (of many failed attempts for Walton-family reunions of the past) we foolishly began planning all of the fun things we would do as a family.

Aware that the oldest probably hadn't had any of his memories stolen, we bought tickets for events without asking him. Ok, we knew he'd grumble, but with a ticket in front of him, how much could he really object? famous last words

Dad, ever the one with impeccable timing, presented our plans to a son who just traveled all night long in a cramped airline seat and was now facing a 3-hour life-risking drive with his father.  He wasn't pleased.

"Why didn't anyone ask me if I wanted to do those things?"
"Because we knew you'd say no".

SO...

We dragged the entire bunch to London the see The Gruffalo. Son #1 made sure his feelings were known that we, as parents of multiple feral children, were incapable of herding our bunch through the tube systems of London and chose to do it himself causing everyone unnecessary stress.

The show was nice. The kids liked it. Oldest Son refused to talk to any of us for the entire tube ride back to the car. I think he liked the Gruffalo though... I didn't dare ask.

After that fun day out, we were grateful that we had fought the urge to spend a hefty sum to take us all to see the pantomime in Norwich.

 

Note 1:Pantomimes are a huge tradition during the Christmas and New Year period. In four years, we've never ventured out to see the "Dame" (man in drag) or to join in with the fun audience participation ("Oh no it isn't" "Oh yes it is!" and booing/hissing as the villain took the stage) because by the time we thought about it, the seats were booked.

Note 2: British people know how to plan holidays, booking a year in advance for trips or activities--we are slow-thinking Americans that can't make a decision on the day, much less a year in advance. 

Hubby LONGED for the opportunity to shout back at the actors, "It's behind you!" He nearly pouted when we crossed it off our "Things to torture oldest son with during the holidays" list.

The anniversary rolled around and the thought of watching half of a movie or eating pizza in a family- restaurant/cubicle was discouraging, so I have to admit I might have been a wee bit snarky as the Hubby was frantically coming up with ideas.

However,

when he announced that he had just purchased tickets to the Panto in Norwich, I was thrilled on several levels.

• 1. He did something spontaneous for the first time in 14 years. 
• 2. It was something we've never done before. 
• 3. He did something spontaneous for the first time in 14 years that I didn't have to nudge him into, or book it, or pay for it.

We grabbed our coats and off we went.

As I sat there guffawing hysterically (yes, I nearly snorted), I was thinking that I definitely have to recommend to all 6 of my readers: if you are ever in England, you MUST SEE A PANTOMIME. 

Now in retrospect, I'm not sure if that's wise. The humor comes from British politics, jabs at celebrities and local references (we REALLY enjoyed the Norwich City Football references, especially when they jeered at our football rivals, Ipswich Town).
One actor was wearing the bright yellow socks with green accents-- only a NCFC follower would even get that. Two actors are from popular nighttime soaps (remember how America was with Dallas or Dynasty?) whose celebrity status would be lost on a foreign visitor (you might catch on when the audience squeals as they appear on stage though).

Our good friends were so pleased that we enjoyed it since the Americans they took to a panto sat there looking like they were at a funeral.

I enjoyed our anniversary date SO much this year that we came straight home and booked this past friday to take the kids-- who loved it. Miss Ky couldn't quit talking about "the baddy who was good now" and A2 LOVED that kids his age were pulled up on stage. 

I only wish we had forced Son #1 to see it.

Maybe we could needle him to come again next year and partake in another family bonding experience... he's got my DNA, surely he got some of my bad memory as well.