For the Love of "Up"

When my dad was visiting a few weeks ago, he wanted to get something for Nora. He saw how much she enjoys the movies that we have--Tangled, Rio, Toy Story 3--because we did a LOT of movie watching with "Pa" while he was here. He asked if we had the movie "Up," and when we said no, he vowed to buy it for Nora that very same night.

Now, Nora loves "Up."

When Nora was younger, we rarely ever had the TV on when she was awake. But ever since our road trip to Virginia, when we found that she does in fact enjoy animated movies and shows, we've relaxed a bit. We still try to limit her television time. We don't watch TV at home with her during the week since she does get TV time at daycare (she's with an in-home provider). On the weekends, we try to balance TV/movie time with playtime, time outside, and good ol' run-errands-with-mom-and-dad time.

Anyway, at first, I think it was just the bright colors and sounds that amused her. But then she started dancing to the music. And raising her arms up in the air when the birds were flying in Rio. Then, she did the best thing yet--she started LAUGHING at funny parts in the movies. Clearly, she understands what's happening, and I wouldn't be surprised if she actually comprehends most of the dialogue at this point. The kid is INTO it.

Check out this video that Michael sent to me when I was in Boston. It was so cute and I missed her so much that it very nearly made me cry.

To set it up: She's watching the very beginning of "Up." For those who have seen it--you know when little Carl is walking home from the movie theater? And he's "jumping over the Grand Canyon" (crack in the sidewalk), and then he "climbs Mount Everest"--a tree stump that he attempts to jump over but doesn't make it? That's the part she's watching, and all of these giggles are a result of what I just described.

Adorable. If letting Nora watch a few movies is wrong, I don't think I want to be right. :)