355/365 - Clue Game

We had a full day of last minute Christmas preparations, cleaning and laundry. For me, the day started with a much needed run outside - the sun was shining and the road was clear of snow and ice. I have a feeling I won't see these conditions after today (lots of snow in the weather forecast).

I headed out to run errands, but stopped off at Starbucks first.


After my errands, the kids and I spent the rest of the day cleaning and preparing for Grandma Fay's arrival, just in time for dinner.

After dinner, we broke out this year's new CLUE game. Seriously, we have at least 8 versions of the game and there seems to be a newer version each year.





Erica won tonight's game.

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354/365 - New Addiction - Angry Birds

Oh why did I purchase this App? I had heard bits and pieces about this game and hey, it is the number one App on iTunes. And it's only 99 cents. But it's addictive, too.



The object of the game is simple - launch the birds out of the slingshot and kill the pigs. Sounds easy, right? Heck, the pigs are even stationary! The key is to get the right trajectory, which can tricky.

The game reminds me of my C+ programming class back in college, where we built a golf game using trajectories (factoring in force applied to the ball and wind speed / direction). Of course, our game graphics didn't really exist (well, I think they consisted of keyboard dashes, dots and slashes - really high tech - NOT!).

The game is a hoot and the best 99 cents you can buy. Now, if only I could get past Level 1-21.

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246/365 - End of Softball Cookout

Buck and Jill hosted an end of the softball season / Labor Day cookout. The Medicine Balls Softball Team ended up with a 7 and 7 season, worthy of a fun gathering. As usual, there was plenty of great food, great friends, lots of kids (big and small), games, running around and general fun.

The kids played badminton, volleyball before the "big kids" joined in.


Things degraded to a game of "Keep Away". That's big kid Dan (and the Medicine Ball's top hitter) winning. This started the Dodge Ball games, held in the front of the house so the Moms couldn't watch their kids and husbands get pummeled.



A most fun way to end the summer season.

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189/365 - Monopoly Time

Uncle Jeff came over today and we played what must have been the longest Monopoly game in our family's history. Over 4 hours, with five players, two final winners (team of Scott and Grandma Fay) and two very stubborn runners up. We knew that Grandma had it wrapped up, but we still played on until the very bitter end. At one point, Grandma had to go out to retrieve dinner, so Scott filled in, creating a whole new dynamic to the game.

By the end, all the hotels were in use, with Scott / Grandma covering 5 monopolies. Brian hung on until the bitter end.



See, the race car wins!

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188/365 - Beach Amusements

After our nice dinner in air conditioned coolness, a cold front whipped through the beach area, leaving behind the coolest temperatures we've seen in over a week.

We wandered along the beach amusement park, the kids rode some of those rickety rides and we went to play "Fascination", a cross between bingo and skee ball - roll the little rubber ball across the 5x5 game board. The ball will eventually drop into a hole and you need to get 5 across to win. Sounds easy, right? We didn't win a single game and we played 20 of them!

I love the game hall because of the old, worn wood, the old games and the overall antique feel. Like something out of the 70s.

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125/365 - Pirate Code Lego Game

Brian has discovered a new Lego product - Lego "board" games.

The premise - you use the Legos to build the playing board. Then you play the game. I think it's a neat concept (albeit a costly one - one of these board games run around $20).

Our first acquisition - Pirate Code


Brian also purchased Monster Four. We played several games this afternoon and I have to say it was fun!

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01.02.10 - New Wii Game

After spending time playing Wii Sports Resort at George's house yesterday, Brian insisted we go to the Target today to purchase our own copy. He used his Christmas money to buy the game.


And now I hear the gleeful sounds of the kids playing their new game downstairs in the basement. Lots of fun!

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01.01.10 - Game Day

I'm not referring to the big Rose Bowl game, either. Just a relaxing game of Cadoo with Brian. We have a great time with the charades and drawing challenges.





Brian won the first game, and the 2nd one was a tie (a CAT - do you use that term for ties?).
Hope your New Year's day was relaxing and productive (I finished all the laundry - yay!).

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315/365 - Cafe World

Erica has been sucked into the games on Facebook. Farmville, CafeWorld, Happy Aquarium and who knows what else. Sheesh. At least the Farmville song is pleasant enough, and the Happy Aquarium music will put you to sleep. Better than listening to Boom, Boom, Pow.

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203/365 - A Bit of Hide and Seek

Always a perennial favorite when we visit LaoLao and LaoYeh - a game of Hide and Seek. You would think the kids would outgrow this, but they always want to play as soon as we arrive. I figure the day is coming when they won't want to play, so we'll enjoy it as long as it lasts.

During this "round" Scott was the seeker and Erica and I both hid in the same room. Scott found me almost immediately, but did not notice Erica hidden under the blankets:


She had to give out "hints" by making noises, since Scott was having a hard time finding her. When she was revealed, we all had a good laugh, especially Erica.

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