It didn't work. Well, it sorta worked, but not really. Anyway, I'm not going to spend any more time on it than I have, because while I was doing it for you, Gentle Reader, it also took me away from you for too long.
What it is is a multimedia Flash presentation of how my family's trip to Philadelphia went. You see, there are a limited number of ways you can describe traveling with twin toddlers and a seven-year-old, and I feel like I've exhausted just about all of them. So within five minutes of returning home, I decided to do something different and downloaded the trial version of Adobe's Flash, an application that I HAVE NEVER USED OR EVEN SEEN IN USE BEFORE, and attempted to make something with it.
It goes without saying how stupid of an idea that was.
Anyway, I'm on Day 2 of working on it sans sleep and my girls have watched all the PBS Kids they can stomach, so it's time to call it a day. So without any further ado, you can click below to see what I cobbled together. Just a warning, it's LOUD and it plays right away, the mysteries of the autostart and pre-loader not having revealed themselves to me. It also loops endlessly, the video becoming more out-of-synch with the audio with each iteration, an especially humiliating feature.
Oh well, it's not like this blog isn't a parade of my failures already.
And for you lucky ones who don't know, those animals are Webkinz. Web-kinz. It's pretty much the only word Kathryn says now. Well that and the words "I want more" and sometimes "please".
I've taken that trip.
Love the Willy Wonka soundtrack.
Posted by: Amy the Mom | August 16, 2007 at 12:46 AM
That's awesome!
Posted by: rhea | August 16, 2007 at 01:05 AM
We've all taken that trip at one time or another. Great music all around!
Posted by: Anne Prince | August 16, 2007 at 02:34 AM
Too funny. You got some mad skillz there...
Posted by: Shiri | August 16, 2007 at 02:47 AM
My five year old loves it and wanted to watch it over and over.
He's also now copying the way the kids' mouths move and is making the same noises.
Thanks The Dad.
Posted by: caramaena | August 16, 2007 at 02:51 AM
That scared the hell out of my three-year-old. Which made it even funnier.
Posted by: edithmae | August 16, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Oh my god that was hilarious! Thanks for the laugh.
Posted by: Laura | August 16, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Awesome! Good times, good times. Just add puking and pooping and you'd have MY last family trip!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 16, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Long time lurker, first time poster.
OMG!
When I was much younger, I wanted 10 kids.
Really.
As I got older, the number changed: from 10 to 7 to 4 to 3 to whatever God gives me.
You know that phrase "God works in mysterious ways"? There's a reason I don't have small kids - my head would literally explode! Although I must admit taking on a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old was a bit of a challenge...
Seriously, though, they're gorgeous, and it looks like Philly was fun!
Posted by: | August 16, 2007 at 08:17 AM
As someone that creates flash presentations for a living, I must say WELL DONE! I think I see a new career in your future, should you survive the next few years with the twins.
Posted by: Burgh Baby's Mom | August 16, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Absolutely hilarious!
Posted by: Vikki | August 16, 2007 at 08:47 AM
You may not think it's much, but my ten-month-old loved it. As did I.
Posted by: Arwen | August 16, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Oh dear god that was priceless. Also very evocative of trips with my two. Family "vacation" has a whole new meaning now doesn't it?
Posted by: Steph | August 16, 2007 at 09:37 AM
So that explains where you've been! And let me just say that the bloom has fallen off the rose (or the fur has fallen off the dog?) with me and the damn Webkinz. Don't bother buying any of those stupid charms unless the kid wants it just to wear because it only unlocks "Charm World" for 6 hours! What a scam! My kids are in for some serious Webkinz withdrawl when they start school next week. And I am in for some sweet, blissful peace without the "W" word. Thanks for the laugh!
Posted by: mommy24x7 | August 16, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Watching that made me laugh for the first time since my mom died two days ago. You are my hero.
Posted by: Brooke | August 16, 2007 at 11:21 AM
We, read Kathryn, Gdada and I, have just discovered today's post. The Arttis loves it and can now do all three parts sans sound. Oh Happy Day!
Posted by: The Gmama | August 16, 2007 at 11:29 AM
You are multi-talented...writing & now graphic artist. Good job. I laughed hard, & I realize that this is how I see my 3 daughters at times, when all 3 have the black markers on their eyes & mouth at the same time, & their heads appear to be the size of hot air balloons.
By the way, maybe i shouldn't say this, but my 7 yr old appears to be shelving her webkinz in lieu of a new phase: Bella Sara. Online HORSE. With trading cards, too. Who are the hateful (but financially brilliant)people who create these schemes?
love the wonka music.
Posted by: cindy | August 16, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Friggin. Loved it. It was well worth your maniacal amount of time for the chortles I got.
Web. Kinzzzzz
Posted by: Victoria | August 16, 2007 at 02:17 PM
As if this blog isn't already enough, you might consider providing public service Flash messages for single folks on the non-disease related consequences of sex. The one I just saw is an excellent start.
Posted by: You can call me, 'Sir' | August 16, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Since screaming toddlers seems to be a hit, I might start charging admission to my house. I'll just keep the Willy Wonka soundtrack on and people can watch it live.
Posted by: The Dad | August 16, 2007 at 03:10 PM
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a Flash Preentation must be worth ten thousand. I think you communicated very well.
Posted by: LIB | August 16, 2007 at 03:39 PM
better than jibjab!
Posted by: loren | August 16, 2007 at 03:57 PM
That was freaking hilarious. My bf looked over to see what the heck I was watching, and he laughed too. Then I explained what it really was, and asked, are you SURE you want kids??
Posted by: Christine | August 16, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Against my better judgement, i clicked on the link with my brand new 4 (!!) year old son beside me. He took of running once the girls started. LMAOOOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Amber | August 16, 2007 at 04:36 PM
That is comedy gold I tells ya'! :D
Posted by: Deanna | August 16, 2007 at 05:01 PM