We had a really nice 4th of July. Having it on Wednesday was a nice bonus since it made it seem like we only had a two-day work week!

First we enjoyed going to see Ratatouille, the newest Pixar creation. My expectations were pretty low going into it - I mean, how good could a movie be that highlights a rat chef? It was really, really cute! It was a nice, pleasant movie that our whole family could enjoy together.

We spent the evening at the Outlaw family's annual celebration. After a fire destroyed their home out in the boon-docks north of Washougal last year, they got their place rebuilt just in time for the 4th party. Their fireworks display was as good as many town fireworks shows! The highlight of the day for me was getting to hang out with Lezlie, my dear childhood friend. She's more lovely than ever. It was special to watch our two daughters, born just one day apart, shyly and sweetly get acquainted.

Fly Away

Allan and I stayed up too late watching Superman Returns last night. Some important thoughts:

• When Superman and Lois go for their romantic flights, how do her legs stay horizontal? Wouldn't they be dangling down in a most unbecoming way?
  
• It would be quite a challenge to win a custody battle against Superman. I just can't see him saying, I'll take every other weekend and holidays.
• Even though they don't actually sing the lyrics in the movie, it is impossible to go to sleep with Can You Read My Mind? playing over and over and over in one's head.