Brooklyn trying to reel in the big fish
Each year in the fall, Families Supporting Adoption and Boondocks (an indoor / outdoor arcade) partner together to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for families who have adopted to come and have some fun, a little lunch, and continue to bond. We've been the last few years with Cole and had a great time. This year with two new ones in the mix we jumped at the chance again. We invited Aunt Jeni and Uncle Bren and the clan to come with and help with wrangling.
They open the doors at 10:00 and if you like HUGE crowds -- definitely show up when the doors open. Instead, we opted to come at the end of lunch (12:30) and it was perfect. We walked right in and had the dinig room all to ourselves. Jace and Brooklyn didn't eat too much -- no surprise with everything they can see around them. So we headed into the arcade area. All of the machines are set up to read a card which is your 'token' or money -- which is quite handy so you don't weigh down your pockets.
They have a huge play area in the back of the place for little guys and gals to climb on and slide down. Jace was a little nervous but Autumn jumped right in and went in with him. No small task since it was built for someone about 2 feet smaller than her. It didn't take him long, but Brooklyn was a harder sale. Knowing we had the whole day, we elected to wait her out and let her take her time and soon enough it paid off.
We went bowling -- they have a special sized lanes for the little kids with shorter alleys, smaller balls, and bumpers. It was a hit, until we finished the 10 frames and were ready to move on.
Mystified by the pins
Amazed when the ball she threw knocked down the pins
Helping Jace really toss one down the lane
They both look excited at the outcome
Luckily, we headed off to a few other games they seemed to like as well, especially with a little help.
Jace found this 'hunting' game
and then Brooklyn found that Jace had found the game
And then wackiness ensues
Ah, some alone time to get it right
The weather, which had been warm and lovey for fall, turned very cold and a little snowy the night before -- figures! The race tracks (and water bumper boats -- NO WAY)were open but a little cold for riding. Teri, Autumn, Matthew, and Jordan braved the cars -- ONCE. So we'll wait for spring and try again (Aunt Jeni has those photos so you'll have to stand by to see those).
Boondocks has one 'ride'. It seats two people who are slightly reclined facing a large TV screen which shows digital images of flying a plane, racing a car, being a ball in a pinball machine -- you get the idea. The seats are on hydraulics which respond to the video being shown. There ae two large fans set up to side of the screen blowing on you, further simulating the movement. It's a easy ride for kids and adults. Cole loved the movement and the lights on the screen. Jace and Brooklyn we're so keen at first, but then like the play area, warmed up to it and had a great time and wanted to keep riding the ride.
These were the shots after the first initial rides ... notice the smile and laughter (those weren't there for those early rides)
After spending a good portion of the day, we were all starving and headed to dinner with Jeni and Bren and the kids. Jace and Brooklyn respond really well, especially to Autumn, who came over when we were spinning cotton candy to help entertain the kids. But everyone had a good time and ate way too much pizza & breadsticks.
Waiting not so patiently for pizza -- heck we're all hungry
So Dad distracts us with some silliness
Uncle Bren getting into the act
Can't wait until next year.
