Happy Thursday, Front Porch Families!
“The days are long but the years are short”. As parents, we have found ourselves coming back to this phrase more and more. When we are tired, the to-do list feels endless, and were juggling one too many responsibilities. Reflecting back to this phrase helps us take a deep breath and remember how grateful we are for our current situation. We get to build this family. We get to raise these kids. What a beautiful thing.
Not only is this Sunday Father’s Day, but it is also the summer solstice. With 15 hours of daylight here in the Hereford Zone we hope your family is able to enjoy a little extra time outside. If you need us, we will be in the backyard roasting marshmallows.
This issue we are sharing information on discount movie theater viewings for the kids, a handful of local Father’s Day events for Dad, and a reflection inspired by a recent overnight work trip.
What To Do
Regal Summer Movie Express🍿
Regal’s Summer Movie Express, and its notorious $1 admission, are returning to Hunt Valley, providing you with an inexpensive opportunity to fill a weekday morning. Our family will definitely have these in our back pocket for a rainy morning or a day where the kids just need a break from the heat and humidity.
Showings begin at 11 AM and will run Monday – Thursday through August 13th. Each movie is classified as a family film rated G or PG, but it doesn’t hurt to check the schedule to make sure you agree.
In addition to the $1 admission, the Summer Movie Express ticket also provides you with $3 off a Dippin’ Dots cup or Snack Pack, consisting of a Junior size drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies. I can’t remember the last time we purchased snacks or food at the movie theater, but this might just get us to break the trend.
Here’s the Hunt Valley schedule so you can make note:
June 15 – 18: K-Pop Demon Hunters: Sing A Long and The Wild Robot
June 22 – 25: The Bad Guys 2 and The Garfield Movie
June 29 – July 2: A Minecraft Movie and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 6 – 9: How to Train Your Dragon and Sonic the Hedgehog 3
July 13 – 16: GOAT and Scoob!
July 20 - 23: Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants and Animal Farm
July 27 – 30: Paddington in Peru and Dogman
August 3 – 6: Charlie the Wonderdog and Despicable Me 4
August 10 – 13: The Sandlot and Muppets: Treasure Island
August 17 – 20: The Sandlot and Muppets: Treasure Island
August 24 – 27: The Sandlot and Muppets: Treasure Island
A tip we have heard from other parents: Buy your tickets online, and buy them early! With great deals comes great interest, and these shows are routinely full. You can find more information on the Summer Movie Express, and purchase tickets, here.
An Event
Father’s Day Notables
This Sunday is Fathers Day! If your family is still searching for a fun activity to celebrate Dad, we’ve compiled a mixed list of local events.
“Father’s Day on the Farm” at The Farmyard
Saturday, June 20 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | 21159 Old York Road, Parkton
Families are invited to The Farmyard this Saturday to enjoy some special time with Dad! A $20 package ticket provides entry for one adult and one child for donuts with Dad, an obstacle course, completion of a craft and a hayride. Additional tickets can be purchased for adults ($12) and children ($10). Purchases can be made here.
Father’s Day Dinner at the Manor Tavern
Sunday, June 21 | All Day (11 AM – 8 PM) | 15819 Old York Road, Monkton | $89 Prime Rib Special
If you’re looking for a little more flair this Fathers Day, the Manor Tavern is offering a three course Prime Rib dinner for $89. When you think of kid-friendly dining your mind probably doesn’t jump to the Manor Tavern. This is definitely on the fancier side in the “family dinner outing” category, though we must admit that the wait staff and other diners have always been very accommodating of our family celebrating a birthday or major milestone. If you’re worried but still want the indulge, we recommend going early and sitting in the more casual bar room. The Prime Rib special is being served all day from 11 AM to 8 PM, perfect for a heavy lunch or early dinner. You can scope out the full menu here.
Father’s Day BBQ Kit Class at Manor Mill
Sunday, June 21 | Every 1 Hour and 45 Minutes between 9 AM and 5:45 PM | 2029 Monkton Road, Monkton
For the woodworkers among us the Manor Mill is offering classes for Dad and the kids to assemble and personalize their very own BBQ Kit. Think of it like a BBQ tote, storing all the essentials Dad will need to carry out to the BBQ with him this summer. Tickets can be purchased for $75 and is good for Dad and all the kids. Each ticket includes supplies for one BBQ kit.
💭Front Porch Thought
This past week I packed a small duffel, kissed my family goodbye and headed to the airport for a quick overnight work trip to Charlotte. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a big deal. One night away, roughly 36 hours. Yet no matter how many times I reassure myself it’s no big deal, making the trip doesn’t feel any easier.
Guilt creeps in as you leave one parent home to shoulder the load of the day-to-day responsibilities. Meals, dog walking, bathing the kids, bedtime routines, and the dozens of other seemingly small tasks that keep the household running.
Not to mention the fact that you just miss your family. FaceTime certainly helps. Being on the screen as they eat dinner to hear about the kid’s days, requests to “see the potty” in the hotel room, questions about which of the two beds I plan to sleep on. Technology certainly makes being away more manageable, and I am grateful for it, but it still doesn’t compare to IRL.
The disruption in my daily routine had me reflecting on the little things I tend to take for granted. Rushing to prep breakfast. The impromptu dance party before dinner. The plea for just one more bedtime story. In the moment, it’s easy to focus on the chaos. But a quick 36 hours away is all it takes to remind ourselves how much we’d rather be part of the chaos than on the other end of the FaceTime.
Work travel and overnight trips are just a part of life for many of us. Something we do to provide for our family. While the occasional time away is often unavoidable, keeping perspective as to why we do the work in the first place is paramount.
The work will always be there. The season of life where my children are 5 and 2? I’ve got 171 days to experience that. Thank you, work trip, for reminding me.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there, enjoy your day.
Cheers,
Laura and Patrick
