Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Bucket Boffing

The Winter BazaarOne of the hazards of having two boys in between my two girls is that the competition is thick around here. If one son wants to play football, the other has to too. It doesn't matter if it's Battleship, Chess or who can eat the most pizza if there's a way to measure who does it the most, the best or first David and Spencer are struggling to show who's the bigger man.

Bucket BoffingThis activity at least helps to contain all that testosterone-filled energy in a smaller space. Containment is always a good thing right?

Anyway, get a bucket or large aluminum can for each player (you need at least two but more makes it exciting), give them a weapon to whack (soft is better) then see who can stay on their can the longest. Once you step down you're out, the last one standing wins.

If you don't have a boffing weapon here are directions on how to make one using PVC pipe, duct tape and foam tubing but using one of those swimming pool noodles works well for small children and for older children who need a bit more force you could roll long tubes of newspaper into suitable weapons.

Bucket BoffingThat ought to keep them busy for a little while.

This is the last week I'll be hosting the Winter Bazaar, thanks to everyone who has contributed ideas--it's been fun! Next month I'll be posting some of my favorite home organization ideas. As always, if you'd like to participate leave your link below.


Technorati tags:

29 comments:

Casdok said...

Looks like great fun!!

luvmy4sons said...

One of the hazards of having FOUR boys is that the competition is deadly and a simple activity can turn into dangerous peril...LOL! Maybe there was a day when they were smaller I would have done this...Well, I never needed to they did things like that on their own. NOW my house would fall down around my ears and someone certainly would break a bone! LOL! Great post!

Deb said...

With three boys and one girl (in the number two slot) it often seemed I had four boys until she turned 12 and got her first heeled dress-up shoes and had her ears pierced. She also tended to be the injured one because she would press the envelope to keep up or outdo the brothers. She could (and still can) give them a run for their money but she's more inclined to be involved with her girlfriends and girl stuff. Her daughter is all girl, except when it comes to granddad's toy trains which she loves to run.

United Studies said...

Heck, I'd play that game. :-)

Debra said...

Oh so much fun. I am going to have to do that for my kids. We are seriously DONE with winter, but the weather is not cooperating!

BTW.. I love how you have decorated the room in the picture. I am really looking forward to the season in my life when I can decorate my home like that without it being destroyed by my 5 little ones!

Anonymous said...

This is great! My boys have so much pent up energy lately (I think it comes with the warm weather!) and they will love this!

Jenny, the Bloggess said...

This is SO fricking smart.

I totally want to do it myself. I am going to kick my 3 year olds ass at this game.

Ice Cream said...

This looks like the perfect Family Home Evening activity (one where I can sit and watch while eating all the treats as my husband systematically knocks all the kids over and they scramble for more). Great Idea!

Jenna said...

Ooooh! Great idea! I know exactly what you mean--we have 4 boys and they are all vying for the championship of whatever, ALL the time! Everything is a competition! Drives the girls (and me) batty!

Ebeth said...

Boy, I need these now with my 2 daughters!! If it isn't the steep competition going on...it's the hormones raging!

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

We could try this instead of the time-out/go to your room. "You're in trouble for ______. Now get out the cans and the noodles for your punishment!"

Montserrat said...

We have a Thanksgiving tradition similar to this involving two 5 gallon buckets and rope. It's like tug-o-war except you try to get the other one to fall down and loosening the grip on your rope is acceptable! It's fun to watch the men fight each other.

the mama bird diaries said...

I think that would be fun for couples... beats another night watching reality tv!

Melissa said...

I am just wanting to see you and andrew fight on those!

Alex Elliot said...

That's a great idea!

Carletta said...

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
You have a lovely blog. I enjoyed scrolling down and reading away!

Anonymous said...

now that looks like fun! growing up, my brothers and sister did something similar to that. my sister cheated tho, when she broke her leg. she used her crutches.

happy ww.

Sarah said...

Awesome idea! I will definitely bookmark it!

Mamacita said...

Oh my - definitely fodder for America's Funniest Videos. We have to try this. :)

Amy said...

That is great! I will have to keep that in mind when Emily gets a little bit older.

Looking forward to your organizing tips!

~ej said...

noodle wars...wicked stuff at my house!!! i buy new ones (pool noodles) every year, the little ones get a half a noodle. i LOVE the addition of the bucket tho...keeps them contained!!
tho mine always do their noodle wars out of doors (winter weather makes not much difference here tho)....:-)

Anonymous said...

Looks like as much fun as pillow fights! :) And a great winter way for burning off some of that pent-up kiddo energy!

Trish said...

That looks like a great game, and a good way to disguise some physical therapy!

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife said...

Ok - this looks like so much fun that I want to try it with Mr. Brownstone!

Wendy said...

Oh, perfect! I'm having a Ladies' Firepit Night soon...we'll totally have to try this!! ;-)

Wendy said...

And I have three boys, and a daughter (in the first slot.) They will ALL love this! I'm sure their Daddy will jump right in, too!

Heather said...

VERY cool! You are a genius! Steven is 5 and he loves playing with his foam swords, but I fear for my knick-knacks and lamps. THis will surely help!

Anonymous said...

Looks like the best fun, maybe I'll try it with hubby next time he annoys me...

I wouldn't be game to try it with Wren & Mr Bump ~ he'd probably knock her silly!

And me sillier! :D

Dawn Deann said...

I'm going to suggest this to my son for his 17th b-day party on Thursday (boys and girls, you know!)