It was a really nice Party. Was Great to spend time with my Friends and forget about my battle for a little bit.

“Gamesters” is the social-based boardgaming group that my Best Friend, Carol, and I started back in 2002 – as a response to the male-oriented gaming groups available at that time. Since then, boardgaming groups have become more common, and there are more options for the Ladies, Couples and Families. However, We Were the First In Houston to address those special needs! We have also held a monthly gaming event – a themed party with boardgaming. Some past themes include BBQ, Pizza Night, Mediterranean Night (complete with togas!), Foods You Love (for Valentine’s), Scary Foods (for Halloween, along with costumes!), Hawaiian Luau (Island Foods and Hawaiian garb), Mexican, Italian, Chinese… I could go on and on! The party theme is the choice of the Host, who supplies the main dish, and attendees bring complementing dishes. We have had some very fun themes picked over the years!

The December Party is our traditional Christmas / Holiday Party. It is (traditionally) held by Carol and Family. (Traditionally) the menu is “Breakfast for Dinner”, which means a menu of Breakfast items, and the requested attire is (traditionally) Family-Friendly PJs. I kinda followed my Halloween costume design, but instead of being a Deviled Egg, my outfit was the Spirit of Christmas Present. Yep, still trying to find that Spirit in me this year, and if I can’t find it naturally I am putting it on anyway.

Spirit of Christmas Present 2009

GAMESTERS DECEMBER 2009 PARTY – Recap
* Saturday Dec 12, 2009
* 6:00pm – 1:00am+
* Hosted by Carol & Mike @ Missouri City (S Houston)
* Theme “Breakfast for Dinner Theme”; Menu of Breakfast Foods

The December 2009 Party was Hosted by Carol & Mike at their home in Missouri City (S Houston). Carol got to show off the house’s new floor and interior paint job – Looked good! Carol & Mike throw a Good party and we sure appreciate them opening their home to us!

ATTENDEES
* Carol & Mike B and Zach (15yrs) (HOSTING)
* Amber & Joe H, and Brandi (15yrs)
* Christy & Bill
* Crystal & Sam
* Denise D
* Donna (sans Mike, who was running a game at the MAG-Con)
* Joseph C
* Noreen & Ken

GAMES PLAYED
* Can’t Stop
* Gemlok
* Ingenious
* Mammoth Hunters
* Mancala
* Pickomino
* Power Grid
* Qwirkle Cubes
* Slamwich
* Stone Age
* Vegas Showdown

It had been awhile since I had played Vegas Showdown and I was Really Happy to get in That game cuz I do enjoy it!

ANNUAL GIFT SWAP & STEAL GAME
The Annual “Gift Swap & Steal” Game was a Lot of Fun! This year was better than last, and last year better than before, and so on! There were some Really Cool games gifted. There was a good bit of stealing going on due to the variety of cool games available. There was also the introduction of a new rule – Santa’s Bag of Coal, which allowed the Holder to steal ANY of the unwrapped or wrapped gifts at the end of the game OR to chose the “Mystery Gift” at the bottom of “Santa’s Bag”. An Interesting Twist – Par-Taaaay!

GIFT SWAP & STEAL GAMES AND WHO GOT THEM:
* Amber – Barista
* Bill – The Denbury Resources Oil Game
* Brandi – (2): Sleeping Queens; Sticheln
* Carol – Poison
* Christy – Cir*Kis
* Crystal – Gemlok
* Denise D – Zobmondo!! Would You Rather…
* Joe H – Citadels
* Joseph – Mammoth Hunters (and Santa’s Bag of Coal)
* Mike B – Beat The Experts
* Sam – Fresh Fish
* Zach – League of Pirates

MEAL – “Breakfast for Dinner”, menu of Breakfast Foods
* Sausage Egg Soufflé
* Sausage and Cheese mini quiche
* Lorraine mini quiche
* Scrambled eggs
* Sausage patties
* Pigs in the Blanket
* Grits
* Fruit Salsa and homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips
* Fruit Salad
* Fruit tray
* Mini cinnamon waffles w/dip
* PB&J Waffle sandwiches
* Sweet Rolls
* Croissants with Fresh Fruit jams
* Orange Juice
* Coffee with assorted flavored creamers, eggnog and half & half
* Mimosas (orange juice and champagne)
* Bottled water

Good Friends, Good Games and Good Food –a Perfect Combination for socializing and game play! The end of the evening was used to help pick up and clean up and for more socializing… I looked at the clock as we were driving away and I saw 3:15AM! Once again up late gaming! Was So Happy to share the ride home with Donna!

As always, A Lot of Fun was had by all! It was Very Good to see everyone, and we missed those who weren’t able to join us! Lookin forward to our next Monthly Party – specifics to be announced when determined.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

GAME ON!!

Wanna see what’s out there these days for games?
Check out BoardGameGeek – it’s an Awesome site!!