The Arcade

My mother sent me a link to this youtube video of a kid who built an arcade out of boxes. Watch it, it's worth your time.

I showed this video to the boys, so immediately afterward they started planning an arcade of their own.  They began by gathering all the "old" toys they don't want anymore and any game that could be attached to a large box.  They immediately wanted to sit outside and wait for customers to come, but their dull mother convinced them to advertise a little and set up a specific time for patrons.  Here's what they came up with:

 This sign is attached to the advertising scooter:

They had a trial run with one of their friends, Brock, who spent a little money on the games he always plays when he comes over to our house.  The games on the box are a utah football and basketball game where you flip the ball through the hoop/goal posts with a spoon, a pokemon game, a handheld solitaire game, and a lego jousting game that Spencer invented.  When the smaller kids came, they added Balloon Lagoon by Cranium.

 Once the day and time were set, they were so anxious for that time to arrive.  What do you know it, but a few of the neighborhood kids showed up to see what all the fuss was about. The boys couldn't contain themselves as they shouted, "They're here! They're here!" Spencer and D.J. were good guardians of their games and made sure people followed the rules.  James played.

 As indicated by the advertising sign, the cost was a penny per token (the tokens also happened to be pennies).  Thanks to my good-hearted neighbors for letting their children borrow a few cents.

They even sold a few toys and a few books and came away with a little over $5 for their first day.  There has not been a second day.  I guess either the novelty wore off or they are satisfied with splitting $5 three ways.  Perhaps the summer will bring more entrepreneurial adventures.  It was a great learning experience for the learning how to run a very, very small business!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail! Easter 2012

In the years since we've moved back to Utah, we have spent most of our Easter Days in Logandale because it coincides with Spring Break and it's not hot enough to suck all the moisture out of you when you step outside.  We have a fun time hanging out and letting the kids play in the dirt outside. I don't know why I have them pack extra clothes to change into when they really only wear one dirty outfit the whole time. I have them pack extra socks, but invariably we come home with four clean pairs still in their place in the suitcase and one pair for each boy that no longer have bottoms.  You would think we would keep a closer eye on their health and hygiene, but all parental responsibility goes out the door when we're with Grandma and Grandpa (or at least in their house while they are gone).

Mark had to work quite a bit, but at least he could do it on cushy couches and just one trip to the St. George office (which I tagged along for and he treated me to massage and pedicure while he worked! Thanks Wendy for watching the boys!)

The boys spent a good part of their time at Ryan and Wendy's new home and in their swimming pool, even though the water was not up to Nevada bathwater temperature.

We also had a visit from some Centerville friends, the Larsons, who were in St. George for Spring Break.  We took them to Red Rock to ride four-wheelers and also to the reservoir to play in the water and do some more riding.  Yes, I rode the four-wheeler and didn't even have panic attacks or start stuttering.

As always, we had a fun Easter egg hunt with the Nevada Cousins!