Thursday, January 8, 2009

Game Goons


So our boys have never been into video games that much but now that they got a didj, that's all they want to do. We were trying to figure out how to limit the time or maybe take it away if they weren't behaving, ya-da, ya-da, ya'da.
We finally came to what I think is a good conclusion but you can be the judge.
We've decided instead of taking it away for bad behavior, they could earn it for good behavior.
For example, doing things the 1st time they're asked, helping their siblings out, blah, blah, blah.
Every time they impress us with their amazing behavior they earn 1 "game goon" which is good for 10 minutes of playing time. When they want to play, they just turn in the amount that they want. So I totally hope this doesn't blow up in my face. It seems like it might be a lot of work. They're keeping the jars in their room & I'm going to let them be accountable for keeping track of them. (they're good about stuff like that)
We're just sick of nagging them to get things done & to be nice to their siblings. Maybe a little positive reinforcement will work better. Wish me luck or give me some suggestions that have worked for you since we're new to the gaming world.

Didj Gaming System


Didj is Leap Frog's new educational gaming system for ages 6+. I wanted to buy it for my boys for Christmas but didn't care for the $100 price tag.
Costco carried it during the holidays for $90. I went in this week & found it there for $27 including 1 game.
I bought 2 of them & my boys have really liked it so far.
A few downsides:
-it eats batteries like mad & the charger has been recalled
option: ac wall adapter for $10
-the downloadable game it comes with doesn't save so you have to start from level 1 every time
Upsides:
-games are customizable: you can selesct spelling words & math problems at their level
-it's $27!!
UPDATE:
I found these Duracell High Draining rechargeable batteries that last forever! They come precharged & the can hold a charge for up to a yr.

Christmas Break

A few years back we deicided to start opening presents a few days early so that it wouldn't be so overwhelming & they could actually enjoy what they got. It's about a 5 day process.
Opening gifts

Snow playing at night

Opening presents- again
Celebrating Chewy's 9th b-day in his sweet sweater

Christmas Eve

Opening gifts on Christmas Eve

Christmas morning

That's right, straw glasses.

Christmas Day @ B & S's house.
Going to Christmas Village

Combi's face after his sledding crash

Getting ready to countdown to midnight

Duke's baptism

& finally "hanging" out at the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point.
I need a nap.