Day 88: Games Aren't Just for Kids

I love playing card games and board games and I LOVE charades too! I have the fondest memories of playing Hearts and Gin Rummie with my Mom & family when I was younger. I remember Brian and I would spend hours staying up all night playing games with Mom and family & friends. We'd have marathon sessions! When the boys were younger we'd play lots of games, mostly board games ... the standard Monopoly, Yahtzee, Scattagories. Many of these games we still play today even though the boys are teenagers.

A few years ago we vacationed with the Ross family and they turned us on to Banana Grams. We were addicted. It was like a drug. We played the entire trip! That same year up at Bass Lake we got turned on to Rummicue and I've been an addict ever since!

Games are a wonderful way to connect people and family. It is interactive as opposed to sitting and watching television or a movie. When you play games you laugh with each other and feel much more connected than most activities you can share together.

Playing Charades is also one of the best ways to enjoy family time. While it always takes me prompting my family to play the game, once we get going the laughter does not seem to stop. Watching everyone make fools of themselves as they try to act out a book, movie or theatre production is great. It takes imagination and some creativity and that's the best way to spend time with your family. Even if they resist I highly recommend sitting with your children and playing a board game! They may roll their eyes and sigh with disbelief that they are having to play a "game" with their siblings and parents, but once you get goin' it will be a blast.

So tonight was "game night" for the big gals. My gal pal and neighbor Stacy Bell gathered an impromptu group of girls for some Rummikub. I tell you the game is addictive. We had a blast laughing & playing and even welcomed a new gamer Lissa Solomon. Who knew Solomon was so competitive, wow she was on fire! Anyway, if you are looking for ways to connect with your children or friends, pull out the deck of cards, or a board game, make some yummies and have a great time being together!