09
2012Friends For Christmas
You know that saying about time and having fun? Well, it’s definitely true. Two weeks ago when my sister and friends came to visit it really felt like they were here for two days instead of five. We got each other games for Christmas and I believe we tried every single one (OK- we didn’t get to Killer Bunnies or Riley’s Glee board game) and even some we played twice! My favorites of the bunch were Munchkin, Pandemic, and Mansions of Madness (which will have a post all it’s own). It’s so easy to get caught up in technology these days and forget that a world exists beyond our phones or computers, so it was really nice to play a game that didn’t involve a screen other than a paper one. (D&D reference, for the win!) Of course we took some time to play some good old fashioned Dungeons & Dragons. It the first time in a long time I wasn’t the DM so I got to play and have my character do ridiculous things and really have fun with it. (My sister and I played characters with a relationship similar to Shawn and Gus in the TV comedy show Psych, if you watch that.) And yes, in that last picture Pumpkin AND Atlas are sitting on her lap while we play. Cat lady runs in our blood.
meagan
ah, board games with friends.
julian and i have started quite the collection of games. … tanto cuore is my fav so far. deck building games are fun.
LOVE the sailor moon luggage !!!
LisaB
Huh – I’ve just started getting into games lately too… finding more and more friends are asking if “we play”. We just got Killer Bunnies and are learning it. Also just got Qwirkle – a good strategy/pattern game for 2 (or more). Be sure to let us know if you discover any new faves!
Jessica Johnson
D&D, YES! And, all of those other games, too! <3
Brian
My wife follows your blog. She showed me this post because of several of the games we have in common. Now I don’t think she thinks I’m as lame for having such a game collection. Thanks!
It’s always wonderful seeing people strip away from the techonology and spending time in the same room with those they love, so much fun…and besides the cost of the games, it’s free fun for everyone!
Sara
Brian, thanks for commenting! I was definitely a huge D&D geek growing up, but I guess as I got older I didn’t realize there would be so many awesome board games for adults. I mean, I knew of Scrabble and … Risk and maybe the game of life, but my sister-in-law and her husband always have ridiculously fun and obscure games every time we get together. When I found out about Munchkin and Pandemic and MoM and all that, I was over joyed! It really is a lot of fun and I can’t wait to expand our small collection. Do you have any games that you’d recommend for us to try out next?
Brian
Well as far as party games go, no strategy but just good laughs, we found Quelf to be really funny because of it’s randomness…but better laughs than that came from Telepictionary.
Dixit or Werewolf (or Mafia) are good ways to get a lot of people playing as well.
I have coming in today a game called pitchcar. You basically set up a big racecar track that all the players design the layout of, then you flick little “cars” around the track, trying to get to the finish of however many laps you establish first. It gets funny as well.
With you all playing MoM, have you all played Arkham Horror? A little different from the D&D feel, not having a DM but a more cooperative play. Or if you want to get into more dice rolling, there’s Elder Sign. All of those games fall under the AH umbrella.
Card games you could look into saboteur or citadels.
As far as smaller player games, Dominion is a fun one (I think with some expansion it may only be able to play up to six, normally it’s 2-4).
I apolgize if you are familiar with a lot of this. Just went through my collection and named a few out!
Jade Sheldon
Oh, what fun! I would choose staying home and playing cards to going out every time! Thant final picture with your sisters and the kitties, adorable!
Sara
Thank you! She’s like the ultimate cat lady. Whenever she visits they sleep all over and sit on her face and stuff, really. They are huge fans of her. =)
There was this brewery back in Michigan that I used to visit where you could bring your own games and hang out while playing. I think for days when you feel like going out, playing a game with friends in a cafe like setting would be perfect!
rose jp
Hi Sara beaultiful friends…My cat broke his leg and was hospitalized…only returned home today … I love cats too
kisses rose jp
Sara
So sorry to hear about your kitty’s leg! I’m glad he’s home now and you can care for him while he’s recovering. =)
Lesley
OH MY GOD. WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT SAILOR MOON TOTE?!?
Sara
Hi Lesley! Tom found it at Goodwill, so we had to snatch it up! I can’t believe the good condition considering how old it must be! =)
Marine
Board games are so much fun! When I was growing up my family would sit down and play a board game together at least once a week (usually after an afternoon of hiking & a long lunch). We re-discovered our love for them this past year; our favorite is Dominion, especially with all the add-on packs! I love Munchkin too, just haven’t played it in a very long time. I really love seeing other people that enjoy some good ol’ fashioned board game playing. (And you also get extra points for watching Psych!)
Sara
Hi Marine, thanks for commenting. I’ve never heard of Dominion but I’m getting ready to open a new tab and go look it up right now! I don’t think my family played many board games growing up, at least not that I can remember. I know my sister and I liked Chess and Checkers and Scrabble, but I think that was the extent of our board game adventures aside from maybe the occasional game of Clue or Guess Who. I’m really SO excited to be getting into board games now because it’s really a great way to spend an evening in, or to do on a rainy day!
Jessica
My friends I love to play The Settlers of Catan, it’s strangely addictive! I also bought The Simpsons Monopoly for my boyfriend during Valentine’s last year and we love playing that too
Sara
Oh my gosh, I am so excited that I got so many recommendations on this post. I’m going to check out Settlers of Catan asap! And Tom grew up watching the Simpsons with his dad so that would probably be a blast for them to play!