Gamers

I have a reputation in my mom's family as a quitter when it comes to games and it's somewhat true. I don't like long, drawn out games like Monopoly and I can only occasionally finish my family's favorite card game, Rummy Roulette without falling asleep at the table. I guess I get bored too easily (and yes, I admit it, I hate to lose). I like quick, to-the-point games with the thrilling possibility of a sudden win. What it boils down to is that I like games made for 8 year olds.

In the past year or two we have officially left Candyland in the dust (wahoo!) and moved into a new stage of gaming. I actually look forward to playing games with my children now. Probably bad to admit this but Chutes and Ladders felt a bit like an endurance task. The transition started with UNO. Noah loved it and Camille quickly picked it up so we played it a lot until that got a bit tedious for all of us and we broadened our gaming horizons. It is so nice to have entered a stage where we can all play games together regardless of age, reading levels, math skills, and all honestly enjoy it.  

The latest gaming craze in our house is Chickenfoot. It's a dominoes game that I learned to play while working at Rainbow Trout Ranch. The game was invented and actually made down the road at the little store in Antonito, Colorado. I have such fond memories of munching on Dorritoes,sipping red Kool Aid, and playing Chickenfoot at the Ranch. In fact one of the nicest surprises I ever got was our beautiful little set of Chickenfoot dominoes. My friend, Summer, who also worked on the Ranch with me sent them to me when I was pregnant and on bed rest. Funny how time flies by and now I get to watch my own kids get a kick out of Chickenfoot. Good for math skills, good for siblings, and most importantly just good old fashioned fun. So in addition to Chickenfoot, here are a few of the other games we have been enjoying as a family: 

Blink, Rummikub, Mastermind, Guess Who, Rook, Izzi, Rush Hour, River Crossing (these last three are good for both individual and collaborative play)

What's popular in your house these days? Would love some ideas for upcoming holiday gifts And speaking of new games, Adam has just returned from the States and brought back one involving small plastic pigs...off to give that a try. Happy Gaming!