Tonight was one of those nights you just don't want to forget. Tonight, both Marie and Jim met "Chutes and Ladders." (I don't know how Jim managed to be the only child from an upper middle-class family who never went to Disney and NEVER played "Chutes and Ladders" but alas, he is. Don't worry, he is fine.)
It was h-y-s-t-e-r-i-c-a-l. Jim examines the board as I explain the rules and I see his face contort as he starts to wonder....within minutes, he turns to me and says, "There is a little morality play with every chute and ladder, isn't there???" Yes, dear. This image is upside down but you can get the gist; you do something good, you go up the ladder. Bad things like writing on the wall with crayons, well then you go down the chute. The board is littered with all these mini-themes.
In case you don't know Marie well, let me tell you she is extremely reflective. She actually ponders. This game board was just a bonanza of wondering questions. She would point to the bottom of a 'chute' and ask how the unfortunate soul ended up there. "Why did that boy fall off the counter? Why did that girl eat too many cookies? Why did that little boy fall through the ice???" And for each and every one we had to explain how the lost soul made a fatal choice and tragically ended up at the bottom of a chute. She would listen, be silent for a moment, maybe grab Charmin for a quick nuzzle and then move on to the next question. Here Jim is explaining yet another of the lessons contained within the board...
Oh...and Aunt Abigail??? There are 4 game pieces. One each for me, Marie and Jim. The last piece is a little boy with curly brown hair in an awesome 70's maroon vest and pants. She decided that was you. You can see your game piece on the upper side of the game board, watching.
Oh...and Aunt Abigail??? There are 4 game pieces. One each for me, Marie and Jim. The last piece is a little boy with curly brown hair in an awesome 70's maroon vest and pants. She decided that was you. You can see your game piece on the upper side of the game board, watching.
We had a wonderful time. Marie is in her PJ's as we declared this a pajama party. Jim declined the PJ's, rightfully suspecting that he would have to walk the dog when it is all over with. The dollar I spent today at a garage sale for this game was well worth it!
9 comments:
I'll never look at Chutes and Ladders the same again! ;)
Well I will never look at Chutes and ladders the same! Smart answers you gave.
i can't wait to rock out the 70's vest next week! i'm sure there will be A LOT of this game played :)
I figure that I've stalked your family enough and it's time that I actually comment. As Jim's cousin, even I am shocked and amazed that he has never made it to Disney or managed to play Chutes and Ladders - even at a friend's house! I'm glad he has to you finally introduce him to these awesome childhood staples. I always thought he had the neatest house growing up (on Drake) but now that I know it didn't include Chutes and Ladders in the games closet, I might have to reconsider where it stands on my list. Hehe. Hugs to all!
Thanks Karen! Jim will be so thrilled to see your comment! He always asks if there are any; can't wait for him to read yours!
Karen!
I am thrilled to hear from you! Its funny you should mention houses, because I always thought you guys had the COOLEST games! :-)
Glad you are checking out the blog, and hope things are going really well for you guys!
Jim
Karen is posting here? How cool is that? Hello and how are you? Never mind my screen name, it's Rob.
Ok, how the heck did Jim miss out on C&J when I remember playing it? Maybe we had worn it out by the time he was old enough.
Did u go to Disney and leave him behind, too?
Annalee has "Guess Who"
and Candyland...I'm putting Chutes and Ladders on the list!!
looks like a fun time...except can I sribble in "whinning" and "eating dessert before dinner" onto the cards? or does THAT send me down the chute? LOL
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