I can relate to the Hungry Hippo mania. My son, who's 4, was totally into Candy Land for a while. He knew the rules, but would often start the game by saying, "I'm gonna win this time," as though the outcome were predetermined. Now he's into New Age Goldfish, whereby all the players share in the pairs collected during the game.

Rock'em Sock'em Robots.

Never got'em as a kid, so I'm going to do the next best thing, I'll get'em for my kids.

Nevermind the violent nature of the game. Just knock their block off!

The piece is excellent, NP. I already am feeling guilty about taking my kid to see the Wiggles in two weeks, when I will betray you.

Those hippos are never satisfied. Even Pac-Man is like, "you guys, lay off the white dots, maybe."

Ah, nostalgia...In a few years, we can only hope, he'll be raising one eyebrow and uttering the phrase, "Pretty sneaky, sis." Well, imaginary sis, in Elijah's case. Or, "You sunk my battleship." Get him an Atari 2600, and rejoice in the Super Breakout and Frogger battles you'll have. Who needs the 21st century, anyway.

I had a friend who had a four year old that I bought a Hot Wheels track for. Whenever she came to my house to visit with her child he and I had a blast with that track. It had a jump.

Nice story, Neal. I think you can do one of those short humourous pieces in your sleep now. I mean that in a good way.