SNOW DAY DVD TIME! Plus A View From Our Deck

The kids are home from school today due to another snow day. Today, our agenda includes playing Wii, playing in the snow and watching some great family friendly movies.

Chasing Mavericks starring Gerard Butler would be my pick of the bunch but the kids want to start with Clifford the big red dog.

In Chasing Mavericks; Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue and Hollywood newcomer Jonny Weston star in this inspiring true story of courage and friendship the whole family will love. When 15-year-old Jay Moriarty (Weston) discovers that the mythical Mavericks surf break is real, he reaches out to local surfing legend Frosty Hesson (Butler) to train him to ride it. What begins as a mentorship turns into an extraordinary bond that transforms both their lives, as Jay and Frosty learn valuable lessons about conquering fear in pursuit of your dreams. Featuring the most spectacular wave footage ever captured on film, Chasing Mavericks is packed with action and drenched with excitement!

The Celebrate with Clifford DVD is to honor 50 years of big fun, big friendships and everyone's favorite big red dog in seven party-packed CliffordT tales! Whether it's working as a team to put on the Fall Carnival, finding the perfect gift for a birthday party, or building a float for the Birdwell Parade, Clifford and his pals - Emily, Charley, Jetta and T-Bone discover that always following your heart and being yourself is the best way to be a BIG friend. Let's get this party started!

Duke, which we watched this morning before 9:00 AM because my kids were awake by 6:30 AM stars Steven Weber as Marine Sergeant Terry Pulaski, a once proud man, is now a broken shell of himself having returned from Iraq with both PTSD and a disabling injury. Terry struggles to be a good father and husband, but his challenges leave him feeling like a burden to his wife and daughter. With his dog Duke in tow, he decides to leave his family behind. Years later, a homeless Terry needs help for an aging and ill Duke, so he leaves him in the care of a veterinary clinic. Will Duke be able to help Terry face his demons and reconcile with his estranged daughter?

We loved it!  It is a wonderful story of the love of a man for his dog! His best friend. The only one who could help him as he dealt with post traumatic stress from his time in the Marines. He gave up everything including his family but would do anything for his dog. Everyone needs someone and sometimes, it isn't a two legged person. While I couldn't understand why nor does the movie try to explain to us why Terry didn't get help for his mental state or why his family didn't try to harder to stay in his life, the movie isn't about that. It is about how much Terry loves Duke! 

Well, they are pretty much ready to head out for an hour or two.

Here is what it looks like by us. What's your day looking like?