Family time

TECMO-MENTUM SWING: DALLAS DIGS DEEP, STEALS TITLE IN KITCHEN-TABLE CLASSIC

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Editor’s Note: Every once in a while, the memories you make with your kids are too good not to preserve in writing. What follows is a playful, over-the-top ESPN-style recap of an 8-team Tecmo Bowl the Board Game tournament my son and I played at our kitchen table.

It was one of those nights that reminded me how something as simple as a board game can become a snapshot of childhood, laughter, and the kind of moments you hope your kids remember long after the final score is forgotten. 

By Matt Chicoine, ESPN Family Desk

The dynasty was born somewhere between a bowl of Goldfish crackers and a bent corner of the kitchen-table playmat.

Eight teams entered. One left as champion. In the process, Tecmo Bowl the Board Game delivered a tournament that felt less like cardboard and dice and more like January football glory.

FIRST ROUND: DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS… UNTIL IT DOESN’T

The left side of the bracket opened with Minnesota edging Los Angeles, 10–7, in a game that felt like a vintage slugfest. Minnesota leaned hard into its scouting report of big passing offense and tough run defense, and it showed. Los Angeles was hard to tackle but could not shake loose when it mattered.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis blanked Chicago 7–0, bludgeoning its way through with power football that neutralized Chicago’s supposed advantages of great receivers and a brick-wall defense.

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The Play That Almost Lost the Game and Why It Ended Up Saving It

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The championship game of our Tecmo Bowl the Board Game tournament came down to a moment that still makes my stomach twist a little when I replay it in my head.

For those unfamiliar, Tecmo Bowl the Board Game is a tabletop version of the classic NES football game. Instead of controllers, you use play cards, dice, and team abilities to simulate drives, turnovers, and big plays. It feels part chess, part nostalgia, and part living-room Super Bowl. It is also shockingly intense for something made of cardboard.

In the final, I was playing as Dallas and my son was playing as Indianapolis. These are generic versions of the classic NFL teams, so there are no mascots or logos involved, just colors, stats, and a lot of competitive pride.

Dallas had the ball at the five-yard line. Four chances to punch it in. Four chances to ice the game.

They went nowhere on first down. Nothing on second. Stopped cold on third.

Then we made a call that felt heroic and foolish at the same time. We went for it on fourth down.

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3 Ways You Can Actually Get Rest through Play

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 24, 2019.

According to Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” This weekend I found a temporary fountain of youth—at a pumpkin patch!  Celebrating the birthdays of two of my nieces and my daughter, we visited a small-town Nebraskan pumpkin patch on Saturday.  This experience was what I needed to infuse live into me.

Rest and play

 

 

 

 

 

My overnight work schedule has been challenging.  Getting naps throughout the day are hit or miss depending on how fussy or not my teething 8 month old daughter is on a a particular day. Balancing work and life has like trying to battle 16 monkey ninjas on your own. Our three year old has regressed over the past few weeks, meltdowns are on the rise, I only get to see my wife about 30 minutes most days, and the list of struggles goes on and on.

The purpose of this post is not to complain, but rather give a bit of context as to why my content has been irregular recently. I am thankfully for people providing guest posts in the midst of my chaotic schedule. I will be publishing more guest posts to help give me a break during this season. Rest. I did not appreciate sleep until I lacked it. This post will focus on a few ways I have been able to discover how to get rest during a grueling schedule. If you are in a similar or more serious situation than my family I hope you find value in these tips.

Play and Positivity

A common factoid you may have learned in school is that it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown. If you never heard this amazing fact, please check out the link in the related resources section at the end of this post to read about the science behind smiling. This weekend I smiled.

Traveling on a zip line, sliding down the barn slide, pedaling a cart, and chasing my kids on the pumpkin patch playground incited smiles. We need playtime help reset our mindset. Going into work on Monday I was much more motivated and cheery. Playtime leads to positivity.

Observational Play is Still Fun

According to Angela Schwindt, “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” During the breaks between pumpkin patch activities I got the chance to watch my children caper with their cousins. The joy and excitement in their faces caused me to beam with gratitude. I rarely have the opportunity to simply rest and observe them in the middle of play.

Overcoming from a recent sinus infection and my continual job hunt for work from home opportunities has drained much of my energy the past few weeks. This weekend provided me the chance to pause and have fun watching my kids play!

Recapping the Day is Restful

Another way to fit in play during a busy schedule is to reflect on the revelry throughout the day. We had a three hour drive back home so I spent some time replaying the fun our family had in my mind. Next, my wife and I talked about our favorite moments. I asked each of my children which activity they enjoyed the best. “Pumpkin, I have a pumpkin daddy!” my three year old exclaimed from his car seat. Looking back, I saw a wide grin on his face and the orange vegetable proudly held in his hand.

Pumpkin Patch

Memory gave me the ability to play again while sitting down in the car. As I recapped the day, I regained my energy that was completely drained during the week.

Make it a priority to get daily playtime. It is necessary for a healthy body and mind. Play renewed my endurance. Rediscover joy in life by embracing playtime. A work and life balance is important. How do you plan on resting and playing this week?

Related Links

How Playing Paper Football Led to Prayer

Finding the Creative Spirit of God in Play!

Why Being Funny Helps You Seriously Practice the Catholic Faith

 

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