The boys and I gave Mike one of his Father's Day gifts a little early yesterday. Alex from ManCrates asked if I would be interested in seeing what their boxes were all about so I picked out a little something I thought the whole family would enjoy. We've been working on homemade gifts for Mike (shh!) but this was a fun little treat that I couldn't say no to because I saw they had a freaking retro gamer box! That included two *actual* vintage NES games! I spent so much time growing up playing NES and I was stoked to get the chance to relive that. Plus I knew Toby would get such a kick out of it. He's a pretty big Mario fan, but he's only ever played it on the Wii, so it was a new experience for him, too. He didn't understand the need to blow the bottom of the cartridges or anything... poor, innocent children! haha The yellow-shirt picture is from the day the ManCrate arrived, and Toby was chomping at the bit to open it up. I wasn't sure when we were going to let Mike have the crate, but Toby is *really really* bad with secrets/surprises, soooo we finally just had to spill the beans.
The name of the box comes from the need to pry the wooden container open with a crow bar - which is included - Kind of totally ridiculous and gimmicky, but in such a fun way. Toby begged and pleaded to play so we finally set it up yesterday and they got down to business. We popped some popcorn and spoiled our appetites with the mounds of candy that came included with the box. Toby couldn't make it past the first level, but I have a feeling he'll be a pro in no time.
I snapped a few of these photos last night while they were playing Mario and seeing who could toss the most popcorn in their mouth. They're nothing outrageous or amazing in terms of photos or quality, but they really are special. I love seeing Mike and Toby bond. Six can be such a frustrating and stressful age for both kids and parents - sometimes you need a fun, lighthearted, sugar-infused reminder of what's important, you know? I definitely want to hold onto these photos for both Mike and Toby, because I know the frustrations with each other will only grow as he continues to age. Maybe I can bring them out and be like "Hey, remember this?!"
I snapped a few of these photos last night while they were playing Mario and seeing who could toss the most popcorn in their mouth. They're nothing outrageous or amazing in terms of photos or quality, but they really are special. I love seeing Mike and Toby bond. Six can be such a frustrating and stressful age for both kids and parents - sometimes you need a fun, lighthearted, sugar-infused reminder of what's important, you know? I definitely want to hold onto these photos for both Mike and Toby, because I know the frustrations with each other will only grow as he continues to age. Maybe I can bring them out and be like "Hey, remember this?!"
Okay, okay, I'm getting a little mushy now. I really loved being able to give Mike this gift, but I'd also be lying if I said it wasn't also fueled by selfish desire haha! I may or may not have stomped him in Mario after Toby went to bed last night HA! Just a friendly competition. Now I want to try out some of the other boxes (both for gifts and for myself). I promise I wasn't paid to say any of this or anything like that (though the box was courtesy of - full disclosure!). I'm just tickled by how fun the idea is and I know some of y'all are probably last-minute or totally-tardy-to-the-party (like me, usually!) when it comes to holidays like Father's Day. If 90's video games don't have you totally sold, maybe this bacon or whiskey set will! Rather than be call ManCrates, it should just be called like, RadCrates or something. Women can totally pry open a wooden box, too!
xo KB
PS; Toby's "Fresh" shirt is from Enjoy Essential!
