picnic in the park and tips for attending an outdoor movie

a few nights ago, we attended a community picnic in the park and afterwards an outdoor movie.  we had a great time, but there are a few things i want to remember for the next time we go to an outdoor movie. i'll get to that in a minute, but first some pictures.

nathan and i at the park

some good friends

clara posing for a picture

amelia holding her free soda and sporting a large grin

a few things i want to remember when attending our next outdoor movie.

1. don't forget to bring chairs for the adults.  we remembered the blankets, which were fine for the kids but adults really are more comfortable in a chair.  if you forget them, you will have to send your husband to get some which may or may not annoy him.
2. don't allow your children to drink all of the free soda they want in the hours leading up to the movie.  take them to the bathroom once before you leave home and once right before the movie starts.
3. do remember to pop your own popcorn at home and bring it with you and bring candy/other snacks if you think you'll want them.
4. have the kids dress in pajamas for the movie.  we did this and it made it so much easier when we got home late to just slip them right into bed.  the older kids weren't super excited about this one, but they ended up being just fine.
5. bring more blankets than you think you'll want.  you can always leave them folded up in a bag if you don't want them, but if it gets a little chilly (or starts to sprinkle) you'll be glad you have them.
6. bring an umbrella, just in case.
7. bring a jacket for everyone, even those who say they don't want it.
8. bring a couple of full water bottles, but limit the amount the kids drink, especially those who have to use the restroom often.
9. set clear rules with your kids about their behavior.  this may seem weird, but i think it is necessary.  before we left home, we told the kids that we expected them to stay with our family and watch the movie.  we did sit next to some of their friends so that made it easier, but i was amazed at how many kids were just wandering around, chatting with their friends during the movie.  i did let the kids go and play before the movie started, but i told them as soon as the movie began that they were to come back and sit with us.
10. expect that little ones are going to get tired and whiny.  it is way past their bedtime usually, so expect this.  i knew our little clara was going to be antsy and tired.  nathan and i took turns holding her and cuddling her.
11. if allowed, go an hour or so before the movie starts and set out your blanket and chairs.  we did this and then went home to get our popcorn and get the kids into their pajamas.
12. don't be late.  seriously, is there anything worse than people walking in front of you, in the dark, searching for their blankets after the movie has started.
13. if you are going to leave the movie early, do it quietly and quickly.  gather your items while you are still sitting!  only stand when you are ready to leave.  if you have folding chairs that need to be put into bags, just take the chair and the bag with you and once you get to your car (or at least behind the people watching the movie), put it in the bag.

things i want to consider for next time.

1. bringing glow sticks/wristbands for the kids.  a few families i noticed had brought these and it seemed like a fun idea.  however, i did notice that very few of the children who had glow in the dark paraphernalia actually watched the movie.  they mostly played around with their glow sticks which could have been distracting for those wanting to watch the movie.
2. bring a frisbee or some other park play item to entertain the kids while waiting for the movie to actually start.

anyone have any other helpful suggestions?