Oh George

Curious George and Edmund

Today Steven and I took Edmund to see Curious George at A Sea of Learning, our local teacher store. I received an email about a week ago that Curious George was coming to A Sea of Learning and I immediately put the event on the calendar. Steven had me figured out. I was definitely the one who wanted to see the larger than life George, but I thought Edmund would enjoy the experience too. Steven thought Edmund might be scared of Curious George. I thought otherwise. After all, Edmund had sat on Rameses' lap the past two Christmases.

A Sea of Learning did an excellent job getting the word out about Curious George. Almost too good if you ask me. The place was packed, and we arrived 15 minutes early. The owner of the store turned on the Curious George movie while we waited. Edmund had no interest. He wanted to go back and play with the Thomas "choo choos" in the front of the store. Fortunately, I was able to distract Edmund from the trains because if he'd gone back to the front there's no way we would have been able to catch a glimpse of the curious monkey. At last, it was time to call on George. Edmund got into the act and said "Googe." When Curious George made his way into the crowd a small smile crept across Edmund's face. Edmund remained focused as Curious George counted beach balls and even listened as the owner of A Sea of Learning read Curious George's first book. Edmund was able to keep his focus despite the din of the crowded room.

After the reading was over I asked Edmund if he wanted to meet George. Edmund said "Googe" and smiled. I took that as a yes, but the line to sit with the curious monkey was long. We wandered around the outside of the store for quite awhile and spent some time with the "choo choos", hoping the line would fizzle out before Edmund had enough. Eventually the line dwindled to a few other families and soon it was Edmund's turn to sit with George. Edmund let me hand him off without a fuss. He put on quite a show for the store's owner and parents still waiting in line. Edmund's expressions as he spent time with George had everyone in stitches.

Despite the crowd at A Sea of Learning, the visit with Curious George was well worth it. As we drove home Edmund began giggling as he recalled his short time with George. "Ohhhh Googe" he giggled repeatedly. Now we all had the giggles. What a funny monkey.