Getting shout-outs from preteen boys

A few years back, I purchased a Mario outfit on eBay for my (then preteen) son to wear on Halloween. The outfit was a big hit that year – and then it went into the dress-up trunk.

This year, I rescued the red Mario baseball cap from the bottom of the bin and wore it all summer. This had the delightful side effect of eliciting spontaneous shout-outs from preteen boys wherever I went – “I like your hat!” “Are you a Mario fan?” “Hey Mario, where’s Luigi?”

It’s wonderful to spread joy and connection through beloved games.  I’m just starting to play Mario Kart with my 5-year-old, who thinks it’s a blast. Mario forever!

I’m curious – what’s YOUR favorite Mario game? Do you play with your family and/or friends, or by yourself?