Toy Story 3 Movie Night

Since having children, I find that I do spend time with my friends, but it consists of being at the park, letting the kids play in the pool or other things that get a little routine after a while.  I decided to change things up a bit and what better week to do it than the week Toy Story 3 is released.  Before purchasing the Blu-ray DVD combo pack at WalMart, I decided to invite the kids' friends over for a movie night.  On Saturday, we are starting our homemade pizzas at 4:30 and the movie at 5:30.  We all have little ones, so a late start time would not be good for any of us.  Plus, while at WalMart, I also picked up the Toy Story 3 Popcorn Tin, which costs just $5.10 and has three kinds of popcorn ~ cheese, butter, and caramel.

Now I had not seen Toy Story 3 in the theaters.  After a very traumatic event at Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom a few years ago (no award for Mom of the Year that year), my son has refused to go into any movie theaters.  So in order for me to see TS3, I had to wait for it to be released on Blu-ray.  I picked up our copy Tuesday and raced home to watch it.  I've avoided all Toy Story 3 stories, sticker books, etc. to make sure nothing gave away the ending.  Let's just say even now typing this, I get a little teary-eyed.  I am a complete movie sap anyways, but wow!  This was amazing.  Of course, my little ones didn't get it, and I am fairly certain that with the material of this movie, it was geared to those of us who have been fans of Woody and the Gang since Pixar first blessed us with them.  Toy Story 2 is my favorite of the series, but I do love them all.  My emotional ties with these characters are memories of my son when he was just 14 months meeting Buzz Lightyear for the first time in what was then called Disney's MGM Studios, now Disney's Hollywood Studios.  He was a huge Woody and Buzz Lightyear fan.  Years later, both my daughters have become Jessie fans with even Hayley being Jessie this year for Halloween.

My dilemma is now I am hosting movie night, but I will have to leave the room at one particular scene, or risk sobbing hysterically in front of the children.  Those of you who have seen it, you know which scene I am talking about.  Actually, I think my crying started at that scene and then continued through to the end.  I won't give specific details for those of you who have not seen it yet, but my advice is to have plenty of tissues by your side when you do.  I think I may need a tissue right now!

What do you do to change up your gatherings with friends and your kids?  I am always looking for new things that don't cost a lot.  Feel free to share you ideas!