Labour day… took the kids out to the cheap theatre to see Cars. This movie is a serious scream. I thought I wouldn’t be that into it because I’m not a NASCAR guy in the least, but you don’t have to be. A little bit of knowledge of that world improves a lot of the jokes, and knowing Richard Petty’s career will help, too (I guess I knew more than I thought, but see IMDB’s trivia page)… but it’s a gas regardless. The list of voices is quite a who’s who as well, including Michael Schumacher, Richard Petty (and Lynda Petty), Bob Costas, Darrell Waltrip, and Mario Andretti…. not to mention the more easily-recognized voices of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, and George Carlin. Foreign versions include more Michael Schumacher (German), Fernando Alonso (Spanish), and Giancarlo Fisichella (Italian). Great fun, left me wanting to plan a trip driving Route 66. Tractor-tipping… what a scream!

Came home and watched Pat Buttram‘s disctinctive voice (Mr. Haney on Green Acres and a list of other things as long as your arm). Very different, but fun. This weekend was mostly about the kids, it being the last one before starting school this week. Our oldest is switching schools, and our youngest starts kindergarten this year, so this fall is a big deal for everyone. Yesterday was a trip to the beach with friends, and Saturday was a get-together with some of our simple-church friends, kids and all. Earlier today (before the theatre) was a trip to the Mennonite Heritage Village museum in Steinbach for their “Fall on the Farm” day. Lots of special activities and good food at bargain prices. Hot sunny weather, no wind, and oddly not much of a crowd at the museum, a great day.

All in all, it’s been a very good weekend (and not just because I got to sleep in three days straight), the kind you need before the reality that’s set to hit home later this week… it’s back to the fall routine. Well, tomorrow I’m golfing, but after that, it’s back to the routine.

Tractor-tipping. What a riot!