National Game & Puzzle Week ~ November 18 - 24

Today kicks off the first day of National Game & Puzzle Week.  For me growing up in an area that had extreme weather games were a typical pass time.  Many of the members of my family were athletic and very competitive so when you couldn't play a sport or be running around outside you were playing Yatzee, Chess or Euker (just to name of a few.) 
I am surprised to find how many families do not play games with their kids.  Game night can be very inexpensive (as little as the cost for a deck of cards,) it is relatively easy to keep the kids attention, and it develops some wonderful memories.  To this day I cherish the memories of my Uncle and my Grandfather teasing me while we were playing cards; they would joke and kid around trying to beat a 6 year old at a game of War.  The next chapter of my life is filled with the giggles and laughter of my children as we played everything from boardgames to Back Alley ( a more complicated card game.)

Amazingly my daughter who had special needs was a very sophisticated card player.  She can hold her own in a game of Three Thirteen, which is also a more complicated card game that use many math and organizational skills.  Games are an excellent way to help your children grow and learn.  It builds confidence (when done right,) makes learning academic skills fun, teaches patients and how to take turns, along with so much more.  So drag out the Shoots and Ladders and have a great Friday Game Night and create some wonderful memories.

Here are some of my family's favorites (of course found in ETSY shops.)  Happy Gaming!

The Grizzlies Game, A Coke and The Fourth of July

Even though I had to work the Fourth it was one of the best I have had in a long time. After spending a year in an area that had very little to do and very little celebrations I was like a kid in a candy store here in Fresno. There were so many choices: BBQ's with the traditional summer fun, fireworks at the park, and a plethora of get-togethers. Terry and I chose our traditional Fourth the Grizzlies' Baseball game.

We were not disappointed...Sacramento River cats vs. Fresno Grizzlies...8th inning and Grizzlies tie it up. It continues through to the 9th then the bottom of the 10th ... at the top....Whop!!!!Homerun for the Grizzlies!!!! The roar of the crowd and the satisfaction of a difficult win under our belt set the stage for the upcoming firework show.

My pal Parker all dressed up for the Fourth

We settled in our seats as the first smaller fireworks lit the sky; red, then blue, white, then orange...it was a beautiful show. They did a wonderful job and the chorography couldn't have been better. The colors popped out in 3D sparks and beams of light drawing closer and closer...an amazing display. I am truly blessed to be an American and to be in such a beautiful city.

This is the life a Diet Coke, Nachos, a winning game and fireworks. . . What more could I ask for . . . oh yeah I live in the USA!

Go Fresno...Go Grizzlies...we <3 you!