Drive-in movies. Retro. Kitsch-y. Fun. A classic, great American pastime.
Every summer we pack the snacks and drive in to the outdoor movie theater, under the stars. We get there early for a prime spot, driving up onto ridges that align the cars up towards a view of the big screen edging the forest. Children get out their balls and frisbies. Some come in their pajamas and bring sleeping bags. Our drive-in has been hosting families for decades.
We've brought dinner—homemade Thai food Dad made, popcorn and whole wheat pretzels for snacking, and some wholesome cookies our little one and I baked together the day before. We have good music to listen to while we wait for the show to begin.
As dusk approaches, we take our spots. One daughter is on top of the car, one stakes her claim to the hood, and our littlest parks himself on a lawn chair beside the car. The outdoor theater dims it's house lights as the sun goes down; and the previews begin. Our radio is set to the AM station printed on our tickets; so the movie sound comes through our car speakers. The stars, the summer evening breeze, and the backdrop shadow of the trees behind the screen all make for a magical movie night. Soon, our littlest one is on my lap. Then our daughter comes down from the roof to join us. Now, I've got a heap of kids on top of me with my husband beside. Our family all piled together.
And that's even better than the movie.
*See family food: drive-in movie part 2 for our homemade food adventures at the drive-in and our at-home outdoor movie theater. ©heather cahoon • wordplayhouse®
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