The game of Life

photo taken by peapickin photography
Once a year some family members attend this monster of a fundraiser. It is like a flea market/garage sale. The "stuff" is plenty, the prices even cheaper. I typically give anywhere from 10 to 20 dollars to my mother for finds. Usually I ask for clothing of sorts, myself first the kids next. This year was a little different than previous years. Instead of receiving half of a new wardrobe, the kids netted most. The girls have new dress ups, including what I can assume must have been a Halloween costume, long, pink and beautiful. But, the greatest of all is the board games. 4 brand new, or nearly new games. Each one is unique to our house and exciting to play.
As a child, and even an adult I love to play games. Candyland, chutes and ladders and memory do get a little old. Thank goodness we are nearing the end of those days. Well, #4 may play but little miss big stuff probably will skip right past just to keep up the others. The person I remember playing the most games with was my grandfather. I would have my back to the tv and only turn to watch the commercials while we played game after game on a tv tray. Don't get me wrong, I am pretty sure I tortured my parents with game playing too. My kids, well they will remember G-ma letting them make up their own rules at checkers (#1 more than the others), and our family game nights. These have been called at random times, weeknight or weekend. Usually each gets to pick a game. Monopoly (Star Wars version go figure) has been outlawed! This weekend the new games changed the normal rules.
First we tried Twister moves, which seems pretty difficult but equally entertaining to watch. Music is beloved in our house, so a welcome addition either way. Next chosen was the game of Life. It was late, and a dear friend was visiting so a decent time it ended early and all headed to bed.
Tonight however was completely amazing. Mostly because I hate to cook, we had finger foods, including fruits and veggies. The kids ate every last drop and increased the excitement for the games ahead. This time we started with 2 other new games, one perfect for readers and non readers. Then another which will be resold again. It was fun because of the unknown but not a keeper. Lastly, we headed back to Life, hoping that there was enough time to complete before bed.
Second time around makes for more fun, rules are understood and strategies prepared. Interesting enough all of the "big 3" couldn't wait to get married and then have kids. Tonight he earned the career of journalist. It was a small step up from simply college degree.#1 a serial monogamist at heart says Evie is his wife. Both games he had a daughter and said her name would be Rose. Though, it appears they all chose family related names and Rose being #2's middle name. #2 earned the job of lawyer last night and doctor tonight. It is safe to say she will succeed in life real or not:) She even let her husband drive the car both nights. His name was Joseph tonight and her first being named Joey of course. Last night she had a daughter who she said would be named Eva. #3 earned the job of doctor both nights. Also, he kept getting confused about getting married meant he needed a pink piece not a blue. He insisted his wife's name was Mommy. #2 and I both tried to explain the difference between Mommy and first name to no avail. We both gave up, I chalk it up to wanting to marry me still, (awe....). Last night he said his son's name would be John?? Tonight he had only a daughter and her name would be Anna, his next fav girl closely followed by #4.
#1 was doing an excellent job at working on not taking turns for people, he needed no reprimands. A few slip ups occurred but he was swift in rectifying. #3 did not whine when he lost money or appeared to be behind. #4 only messed up the board twice. We talked, we laughed and we completed the game promptly at 8pm. This is just another time when I scan the room and realize I don't have to click my heels and close my eyes. There is no place like home. It really is a shame that Daddy misses so much of this.
As in real life I had a car load of children. Last night only 2, but tonight all 4 seats were filled with them. Funny, they each would ask what the kids names were as if I would say something other than their own. Maybe next time I will...just to see what they come up with too.