OMSI's latest rotating exhibit - Game On - showcases the history and evolution of computer gaming. There's lots to learn, but even more to play! There are more video games in the exhibit than you could ever play in a day. Though, trying woudl be Bayley's perfect way to spend the day.
They had some truly antique pinball machines. I was impressed they worked at all. I also showed the kids the video game system I had at their age - PONG. They seemed completely unimpressed as I told them I was lucky to have pong, most kids in my elementary school didn't have a VCR, let alone a video game. Bayley knew some Pong history, which impressed me...and went right over my head. Something about coding.
They really liked the classic arcade games, and I realized after three years of Wii, I can't handle a regular controller anymore. They had a showcase of games by type, another by country, then by theme... There is even a kids game area that has some of my fave games from when I was a kid -- Simon Says and Speak & Spell. I always wanted a Speak and Spell.
There was a section of newer arcade games and then the virtual reality stuff. A little tip, you have to wear closed toed shoes to get in the giant sphere, and that's all I'm sayin! The boys weren't impressed wth the Kinnect, but loved games in 3-D.
As you can imagine, Grace was not at all interested. I think she could have been if the Simon had batteries or she could hear the Speak and Spell...but it was up to the Science Playground for art & sand, her two favorite things. The boys even have a good time in there - maybe because we always seem to hit them on spin art days.
We walked through the Narnia exhibit, and it's gorgeous. Bayley dislikes the Narnia books, so he thought the whole thing was ridiculous until he got to touch the frozen waterfall and set off the trebuchet. Alas, there are no pictures...I wasn't supposed to take pictures in Game On either, but I didn't see the sign until half way through!
I've never actually driven to Astoria. I let Jeff handle that, but since this was a weekday trip...I handled it with a minimum of 'interesting incidents' which shall never be discussed. 
Inside, they started some crafts, but once Bayley had a macaroni crown and Hayden a macaroni necklace (which he ate...uncooked wagon wheels...really) we set off to explore. They had little interest in the history exhibits, but when things were hands on, they were all about it. I tried to work in a few educational facts...here's hoping they were paying attention.
We hustled our hungry brood across the street to Bowpicker Fish & Chips...where they fry up tuna and steak fries from a gilnet boat! There was a line, but it was worth the wait, even waiting with 2 preschoolers and 3 hungry boys! 
It was so good in fact, even this dragonfly heard the buzz about the place. 
The weather was perfect, and aside from backseat antics during the drive, it was a wonderful day. (Are we there yet? He scratched me? He took my shoe! Stop touching me! Hi Ava! Hi Grace! Mom. Mom. Mom. I want to go to the beach. He took my hat! Don't punch me! Don't push me.)
They really liked the classic arcade games, and I realized after three years of Wii, I can't handle a regular controller anymore. They had a showcase of games by type, another by country, then by theme... There is even a kids game area that has some of my fave games from when I was a kid -- Simon Says and Speak & Spell. I always wanted a Speak and Spell. 
Bayley's latest 'palace' had interior lighting, a bedroom and a hallway. Grace opted to sleep in the hallway.
Cute, except she repeats this until someone takes her to see 'her' horses. They seem to like seeing her as much as she enjoys seeing them. She's always concerned they are hungry, which is funny since Grandpa has usually just fed them. She likes to rip grass from the ground and have Daddy feed them. 
The boys have realized they can carry each other on their backs (Bayley more effeciently than Hayden, obviously) so they try it whenever there is a bench or chair to sit on and lift your rider. Grace has no concept of holding on, so carrying her around on your back can be a challenge. Uncle Tim even got in one the piggy back action...of course, Hayden opted to ride on his shoulders!
The boys really like Incredible John's Pizza, and they'd sent us these 10 free credits coupons for signing up for their VIP thing...so we talked the Hyppsters into going with us to share the Incredibility. 
In the farm exhibit, the kids got to pet a chicken. I was very impressed the chicken didn't peck the kids, especially the loud, grabby one related to me!
The monkeys we travel with put on their own show - deciding to give each other piggy back rides. 
In the privacy of his own playroom, Hayden is quite the dancer. There are songs on Just Dance 2 that I'd bet he's unbeatable at. He'll even shake it with me in the kitchen. So, when offered the chance to take a Hip Hop class with his friend Ashling, he went for it.
He loves the music - which includes some of his favorites like Dynamite - and he even shows off some of the moves at home. But when it comes time to free dance, he won't do it. He says he feels silly. Whatever. At least he's trying.
Even if his favorite song at class is 'the one where we jump and jump and jump." Okay then. 
The kicker? Hayden loves it too. I wonder how soon sponsorships start? Bayley can have Star Wars, Kraft mac & cheese, and Wii on his fencing jacket - Hayden can have Gatorade, Pokemon, and Nutella. 
