Friends

Ever notice that some people just aren't very fun to play games with? They might be avid gamers and have a blast (with themselves), but you just don't feel fulfilled when you game with them? Always end the night feeling horny for more gaming? Yeah, you know who I'm talking about. We all have them. Some people leave you feeling unfilled. The only reason why you play with them is because you get to game! You hope that the game will make up for the company. You don't dislike them. They just aren't your favorite gamers.

Well... This past weekend was nothing like that! We traveled to Henderson, Nevada to visit with some close friends who our family has converted to the gaming world. Here's what makes playing games with them so darn fun:

• Food: We like to conjure up some non-stressful food that just sits well in the belly. You know the type. Everyone has them. Then we snack the rest of the night away. Peanut M&Ms are our favorite!
• Friends: Not only are the adults the best of friends, the kids are too! They love game nights and beg for them every weekend. When the family is happy... Mommy is happy.
• Laughter: It's fun to laugh with the person who takes forever making choices and laugh when someone hits a streak of bad luck. You know it's good times when the loser laughs the most.
• Chit-Chat: When the games are over or even during gaming, we love to talk. It's so much better when you can truly connect with someone while gaming. Maybe it's the girl in me, but talking while gaming "completes me." You know it's good conversation when your hubby has to nudge you and tell you that it's your turn. (That always gets a giggle.) The men folk get a bit distracted by this, but us women don't. After all, women ARE better at multi-tasking!
• Good Sports: Now don't get me wrong. WE ALL LOVE TO WIN! But, when we don't get to rub that incredible win into our neighbors face... We are surprisingly OK with it. In fact we can laugh about how we came into last place, lost by just a few points or congratulate our opponents on schooling our butts. Loosing isn't ideal, but we can handle it and usually want to play another game and another until we win. It's a win-win situation! (But, let's be honest. Sometimes the husbands are bad sports on the insides.)
• Secrets: While gaming, it's easy to slip a few secrets. Your best friend gamers encourage it! We get our best laughs when a secret is reveled. Did you know that your gaming neighbor wears two pairs of undies? I didn't either!
• Quality Games: Our group is never afraid to try a new game. We may rip it to shreds. But, we just love the quality time together. Besides, no matter how bad the game is. The winner always leaves happy and miraculously enjoyed the game the most. It's the best way to find the great games. We've found that we don't enjoy playing super long or strategy intense games. Spiel De Jahres are usually always winners.
• Couples: Sometimes the wife jives with the wife, but the husbands can barely tolerate each others company. It's hard to find the right husband/wife combo. One person is easy, but two can be a crowd. When you do find that perfect couple combo... Don't let them go! We are lucky with this group of gamers. All of us get along so darn good.

So keep your eyes peeled for the perfect gaming families. It's a cheap date that the whole family will enjoy. You may have to test drive a few subjects, but in the end you will find a friendship with your favorite gamers that will get you through the thick and thins of life.

Thank you Hendertucky friends for a great weekend!