Farkle and Spite and Malice were our primary games of choice

At some point or time we’ve all made promises to spend more time with family and less time with work and the TV, have you lived up to your promise?

Well, I’ll tell you what: Game night works. I spent last week with my lovely niece who I absolutely adore and we played more cards and dice than I ever thought a 17 year-old would tolerate. We roasted marshmallows and cooked together - all the while, I learned a lot about my girl Gabby; her hopes, her aspirations, her feelings about her family, her love of Disney movie tunes and yes, about the drama of high school. Take the time. Put down the remote control, relinquish the cell phone – it’s worth it. I’m feeling a lot better about my role as an adult as a result of this time spent.

Cards and Hot Chocolate

We even took our cards on a road trip to McCall, Idaho where we played at the Pancake House and a local cafe that encouraged lingering over beverages with a game or book.

Who wouldn't want to cop a squat here for an hour or two?

Tagged: family, games, Idaho, parenting, playing cards, relax