To Infinity and Beyond

"We're going in the attic now, folks. Keep your accessories with you at all times. Spare parts, batteries, anything you need for an orderly transition." -Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story 3

Like an old friend you haven't seen in ages, and then you hang out with them for a night and it's like you're back in high school/college/prison together with the old stories, laughter and hugs, Toy Story 3 recently reappeared into our lives. Albeit briefly. There was a time, before the princesses wielded their awesome power over Peanut, that she loved Jessie and Woody and the rest of the crew more than any other. So much so that Toy Story 3 played on a constant loop in our home. I not only knew it by heart, I quoted it habitually and applied the lessons to my real-life situations, even going so far as to wear a bracelet reading, "WWWD: What Would Woody Do?"



TS3 was the first movie we took Peanut to see in the theater. I remember peeking over at her at one point, and catching her mesmerized. I recall the big screen flashing that highly emotional, nerve-racking scene where all of the toys appeared destined for the incinerator. I was literally gripping both arm rests, grinding my teeth in fear. Then I spotted Peanut, thumb in her mouth, watching without a care in the world.

These days, Toy Story 3 collects more dust than screen time. Yet it remains one of our favorites. It is still a classic whose characters and story lines have taken hold of our hearts and imaginations, and even prove that life imitates art...

As My Director and I cleaned up and put away Peanut's Christmas booty one day late last month, we realized some toys needed to be retired. Like the gang in Toy Story 3, they've been outgrown and are rarely if ever played with. Though they serve as a constant reminder of Peanut's babydom. A simpler, quieter, more slow-paced time. Cherished memories.

Baby Peanut, Christmas 2007,
with her new toy

We came across an Old MacDonald tractor, complete with animals that make the corresponding sound when you plug each one into the appropriate slot. Her first Christmas gift from Santa. Sadly, and despite my hesitation, I put that tractor in the part of our attic that now serves as The Museum of Peanut History. Old MacDonald and his animals now live up there with the crib, highchair, stroller, and everything else she doesn't need or use. Relics from our not-so-distant past.

I know those toys don't have feelings, but I can't help but think they do. I can't help but think they're up there, reminiscing about the old times. Thinking about what once was, and wondering how they fell so far so fast. How can a toy that inspired so much happiness for so long, a toy that was so symbolically significant, now be so irrelevant?

Then I realize it's not the things or the movies that are relevant. It's the people with whom we enjoy them, and the fond memories they create.

For more from the Toy Story 3 archives, check out one or more of these posts below:

As I mentioned, There was a time where we couldn't escape the Same Old Story.

The movie was such a big presence in our lives, it was even involved in the reward Peanut received for finally conquering potty training. This is The Greatest Toy Story Ever Told

MY favorite Toy Story 3 character is Cuddly as a Hedgehog

Also thanks to Toy Story 3,  Now She Has a Favorite Movie Quote

Since we're on the subject of putting things in the attic, when we put the stroller up there I said, "Another One Bites the Dust."