I had several people sing me happy birthday today. My family here did so twice, wonderful both times if hilariously off-key. My mother, Cheryl, gave me her lovely annual rendition. Derek Bolton left me a great audio file via FaceBook (seriously, dude, you have such an amazing voice). I even received a strange call from my daughter Katrina, where I first thought it was her and her sister singing, then I heard a male voice and wondered if Peter Maurer had joined in, then other voices so I thought it might be his whole family, and finally I realized that I was hearing the St. Mary Star of the Sea choir, led by Mary Malewitz, serenading me. I wish I had the presence of mind to say something witty at the time, such as how they could have been louder (running joke). It was fantastic to have my day filled with such delightful music.
Most of my day went as planned, watching the double trilogy of Star Wars with my sons (as my wife had to work). Janelle got me the thoughtful (and practical) gift of an hot-air popcorn popper which we used a couple of times throughout the day. She also purchased a variety sampler cheesecake as my birthday cake, which was also greatly appreciated.
As for the movies, I must be softening in my middle age as I found the prequels much more acceptable on this viewing than any of the previous times that I've seen them. Don't get me wrong, there are still parts that make me cringe and others that make me seethe (or even writhe), but the intention behind them and the overall effect seemed to make up for those moments rather than be overshadowed by them this time. Perhaps it was because my youngest sons were basically watching the movies for the first time.
Rowen was out of the room a lot as he would get bored and decide he wanted to play with his toys, but he still showed the stamina necessary to go with the rest of us to the theater this Saturday. Connor seemed to really get into the films, often making comments and predictions (some accurate, some not) as the movies went on. Most amusing to me was how often Connor referred to scenes from the movies as "levels." His only memory of some of the events from the movies are from the LEGO Star Wars video game which he's played with Trevor. Often, he would say something like, "I remember this level; it was hard."
The marathon certainly whetted my desire to see the newest movie. I think that, with today's background, the rest of my family is ready as well. As I said, it was a good day.