From Board Games to Bullsh*t
Some families bond over sports, others over shared hobbies—but for me, the heart of our family connection has always been board games. From my childhood at Grandma Is’s house to summer vacations and even Mother’s Day, board games have been a constant thread, weaving together laughter, competition, and the occasional scandalous act of cheating.
The Games of Grandma Is’s House
As a kid, there was nothing more exciting than arriving at Grandma Is’s house, knowing we’d spend hours playing games like Uncle Wiggly, Zilch, Canasta, and Yahtzee. Every Christmas, a new board game was a must-have gift, and I couldn’t wait to bring it over and introduce everyone to the latest challenge. I’d diligently read the instructions out loud while the family listened intently—well, everyone except for Mom. Without fail, as soon as we were ready to play, she’d chime in, “How do we play?” every single time.
The Christmas Without the Internet
One unforgettable Christmas, the boys received brand-new gaming systems that, of course, required massive updates before they could even be played. In an attempt to speed up the download process, we banned all internet usage. With no screens to entertain us, we turned to good old-fashioned board games. Chutes and Ladders became the game of choice, and everything was going great—until we discovered Jess was cheating. As it turns out, board games can bring out both the best and the most devious in us!
Summer Nights & Bullsh*t Strategies
Every summer, during our two-week family vacation, the board games would come out in full force. We’d spend our evenings moving from one game to the next, filled with laughter and just a little bit of sibling rivalry. My favorite memory? Playing Bullsh*t with my kids and Mom. Nathan, bless his heart, just couldn’t seem to lie convincingly, and he spent most of the game picking up an ever-growing pile of cards. Meanwhile, Mom—sweet, innocent Mom—was an absolute pro at deception. Who knew?
The Best Mother’s Day Gift
One year, for Mother’s Day, my kids surprised me with flowers and a full day of playing board games and the Wii together. It wasn’t about the flowers (although they were lovely); it was about the time we spent laughing, playing, and just being together. That day meant the world to me, and it reminded me why I love spending time with my kids.
Starting Family Game Night
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let time slip away. We never had a family game night growing up, or when the kids were young, but I’ve decided it’s time to start one—maybe once a month—where we can gather for dinner, play games, and share plenty of laughs. Whether it’s a wild round of Pictionary or an intense game of Bullsh*t, the goal is simple: to spend quality time together, create memories, and have fun. It’s time to make game night a new tradition and bring everyone together, one game at a time.
So, here’s to the dice rolls, the friendly rivalries, the inevitable cheating accusations, and the moments that remind us why we play. Game on!
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