Minecraft Creations...

I did not know how kids can get creative in the game "Minecraft" until I saw some of the stuff my kids designed.

Lex's water slide

Kyle's epic city

Aloysius' awesome city

Kid's version of their stuffed toy Brownie

Netflix - Jackie Chan Adventures

All my 3 boys seemed to be addicted to the game Minecraft. They spend most of their time creating something. Upon searching Wikipedia, I found out that the game is played by generating your own world by building anything out of textured cubes in 3D. It involves exploration, gathering resources by mining, etc. Looks like a good game to enhance a kids creativity. However, playing the game on a PC or an iPad puts a strain on the eyes and we do not want our kids to be develop eye problems. Thanks to Netflix, they found another form of enjoyment. They found out about the series, "Jackie Chan Adventures" and now they want to watch it every night. Some maybe thinking, they still use the eyes to watch. Well, at least the eyes are not as focused/strained as when they play the games on their iPad or PC.

Video Games, Only for Kids???

Last Christmas, my brother and sister gave my kids a gaming console. My Sons got the Wii that they have been dreaming of and asking for about some time. The bundle that they got included the Wii Sports game. The games were very simple compared to the PS3 and the X-Box games that have very complicated instructions and detailed graphics. But even then I am certain that the kids are enjoying the video game every time they get a chance to play it.

A week after they got it they convinced me to buy accessories and more games. I got them some games, these were: Nerf, Wii Resort, Sis Flags and Super Mario. I also got them the gun the gaming accessory that included the gun, fishing pole and the cue stick for billiards. It has been years since I played a video game like that. The last one I played was the first generation of Nintendo which also have the Mario game. I decided to try it when I was on vacation leave. My kids were in school and my wife is in a salon getting a facial rejuvenation. I loaded the Mario game and actually enjoyed playing it too. I played for about an hour before stopping to do some household chore. It was a nice experience to be able to play the same game after a while and feel like a kid again. I only wish these things will be for adults as well. The only problem is getting the chance to play if the kids are awake.

PSP's For the Boys

My wife told me a story about my son Kyle a couple of weeks back. She told me that one day Kyle woke up very early. His elder brother was still sleeping then. Kyle asked her mommy if he can go to his uncle Carter's room. My wife asked why and he said he wanted to play his uncle's PSP while his kuya is asleep. I felt so bad for him. Apparently, her kuya always plays with the PSP and all he was able to do is watch. I already have one PSP for the boys but if that is the scenario, I am sure they will fight everytime. When I was browsing the internet for some furnitures for the apartment, I happen to see a posting for a latest PSP (Model 3000) for $150. The ad said it was just 3 months old and was just used for playing MP3's. It also came with a game Lord of War and two movies (National Treasure and SuperBad) It also had a AV cable worth 30 bucks. I asked if I can get it for 125 as I am a little short of cash. The advertiser said he can only offer it for $135. I immediately e-mailed the advertiser and made arrangement to pick it up.

The PSP is still in pristine condition and the package includes the box, manual and other accessories. I am sure I got a good deal. Now Kyle and his kuya can play simultaneously. And there will be no fighting. I hope when My youngest can play the PSP, his older brothers have outgrown the game LOL. The picture below shows the gadget.