Lebowskifest

As many of you know "The Big Lebowski" is one of Brandon's all-time favorite movies. So when he heard that Seattle was hosting Lebowskifest in the Fremont neighborhood where we would be taking Carter for his birthday dinner he had to stop by.

He had heard on the radio that people dressed up in costumes for the big event and that neighborhood stores ran out of milk last year due to the influx of white russian drinking going on in Fremont. He also heard the original "Dude" would be there. The man that the movie was based on lived somewhere in Seattle and would be attending the grand event.

So after Carter's birthday dinner at Blue C Sushi (his favorite restaurant) Brandon talked us into walking a few blocks away to the outdoor cinema where Lebowskifest would be taking place. Once we arrived I quickly noticed that Carter was the only child and that most of the attendees were chain-smoking outside of the venue (great place to spend a 5 year old's birthday).

We quickly saw the original "dude" as numerous people were approaching him for photo ops. After Brandon's incessant begging for me to ask him to take a pic with Carter (I can only assume that Brandon couldn't ask because he would have been in speechless awe in the presence of one of his heroes). After running over the scenario in my head a few times wondering whether or not Carter meeting the "dude" could have a negative impact on his young life I concluded that he was so tired after sports camp, swimming lessons, and almost falling asleep in a plate full of sushi that there should be no long-standing repercussions.

Once I saw the line dissipating, I took my chance and approached the "dude" and his lady friends. Lady friend #1 told the "dude" to put down his cig and take a pic with Carter. Carter was too scared to take a pic with the dude alone so he clung to my waist while Brandon snapped wildly with his camera phone. After he was done getting the pics the "dude" grabbed Carter and placed him on top of his shoulders and proudly marched around the sidewalk with a terrified Carter on his shoulders. We'll never know how many white russians the "dude" had consumed prior to parading our son around on his shoulders but I am sure it will be a birthday Carter will never forget (Thanks Dad!).

(Notice the Jesus character in the background)