Games!

We are a game playing family. If there was that whole wagon thing where we had to pack up and get out, I can guarantee there would be at least one or two games in there (what else are you going to have to do (ha!)). So, I thought I'd show you our game closet, tell you about a few of our favorites, and then, if you have a minute, leave a comment about your favorite games. We can always use more!

I bought a shoe holder (on clearance in the fall when they were selling dorm room stuff) for all the cards, game pieces that get left out, dice, and other games. The only thing better would be a clear one, but hey, I'm cheap! Take note of the labels...they do help a little. Some of our favorites here are: Monopoly Deal (Jeffrey is SO lucky at this game), Cinqo, Uno and Skip Bo (the whole family can play these games), face cards for Nertz and Hand and Foot, and 'crap cards' so Katie Anne has some real deal things to hold while the rest of us play. She LOVES her 'dards'.

Our closet is organized. Really. At the top are party games, or in other words, games John will play when forced by his wife. Some of these include Guestures, Imaginiff, Cranium, and my favorite, Trivia for Dummies. We used to play Balderdash with a certain group of friends but it's been about 10 years since we've played. BUT! I hold out hope we'll play it again! Someday!

The next shelf down are fun games we can play with the boys. Hardly anyone will play Scrabble with me but, again, I'm holding out hope. This is our favorite shelf. We just got Dominion and it is alot of fun. These games aren't usually for a group, nothing too embarrassing here! These games are stategic, mind using games. Of the ones you see here, I like Dominion, Torres, Settlers, Blokus, and Scrabble. Someone must have been playing San Juan at the time, and that's the one I usually pick.

Next row...more fun games! Sequence is fun to play with another couple if you're doing date night or something. Try saying a movie quote with it every time you place a piece. Backgammon is there, but I usually play that on my little handheld planner. Down below you'll see more games for the kids. Sorry, Trouble, Operation...all necessities. My kids play Husker Du at my mom's so I don't own that one, but it's a really fun matching game. Mancala (aka the Marble game) is another staple.

Wondering WHY you should play games? It's so fun! I have learned a lot about myself, my husband, my kids, and a whole slew of other people by observing their game playing. My kids would rather do this than watch movies or just about anything. In fact, I had to take away Monopoly Deal for a while so they'd do something else!

Wondering HOW to get all of these? Well, Walmart, Amazon for the more expensive ones, and your nearest, nicest secondhand store. We also get a lot of games as Christmas Gifts and it never hurts to drop hints!

Wondering WHEN to play all of these? Winter is great game playing time. Also Summer, Fall, and Spring. If I use my menu planner to it's fullest, dinner is made and I will have a few minutes and we can sneak in a game. Jane and I just played Break the Ice before she went to her nap.

Wondering WHO can play games? Everyone! Katie Anne loves to play Uno, you just have to play by her rules. The boys are playing pretty sophisticated games, and they don't always get the whole picture, but it's better than nothing! When they play Acquire you should hear the math they are spouting out. Just like in Ratatouille when he says "Anyone can cook" I say, "Anyone can play!"

In the car we have little games we can play while we're waiting for someone, or when we're driving a gazillion miles to the beach (or where ever...). Just start!