Charlotte's Web

After learning about an upcoming production of Charlotte's Web, I decided to read Max the classic story that I loved so much as a child. I could not wait to share the beautiful tale of friendship and sacrifice with him, despite my concerns about his reaction to Charlotte's death at the end. However, I had forgotten some other issues the book raised, such as why the family would want to eat Wilbur in the first place. Explaining why people eat meat led me to the conclusion that maybe we should STOP eating meat. Mommy tried to relate the concept to meat vs. plant eating dinosaurs, but Daddy used turkey (one of the few meats Max does eat) as an example.  And now we have a non-meat eating cheese-tarian son. I had warned Max this was a chapter book and would not have pictures. It did have some illustrations, including a sketch of a young boy holding a gun. Max zeroed in on that one immediately and we paused for ANOTHER convoluted explanation.... My fears about Charlotte's death were unfounded as Max did not shed a tear, but rather was eager to find out what happened to the babies. On the other hand, I bawled even as an adult!

Max's love for the story proved that our decision to share an older book with him was a good one. He bounced into our room each morning begging for a chapter before breakfast while my eyes were still bleary with sleep. Who could resist such a request? Fortunately, his excitement for the book allowed us to easily finish it before attending the production of Charlotte's Web at the Peace Center.

Our Max and Mommy Date started at High Cotton for lunch per Max's request. He had asked repeatedly to go to the "fancy place with the big windows" after visiting the Starbucks next door.  Clearly, we are teaching him well!

Max informed me that he enjoyed the restaurant because it was "peaceful" and had great music. He also commented that it was "appropriate" that the coloring page included a pig since we were on our way to see Wilbur. 

"The best grilled cheese ever!"

Creme brulee did not interest him, so we moved on to Spill the Beans for dessert. It is also Max's favorite spot to count cars!

A quick stroll by the river to work off the ice cream before showtime!

Stage Production

We exited the show to find snow flurries covering downtown. Max tried to catch some in his mouth since this has been our only snow so far this year!

Lunch at High Cotton, ice cream at Spill the Beans, Charlotte's Web at the Peace Center AND snow downtown - a perfect date!

Max's favorite part: Parking in the parking garage. "I've always wanted to park here, Mommy!" 

Mommy's favorite part: Sharing a piece of my childhood with my son.