Speed Settlers

About 3 years ago, I had an idea. A group of friends in the village would often get together to play games. One of those games that I enjoy very much is Settlers of Catan. We have the game along with all of the major expansions. If you haven't played it, I recommend it. However, you have to keep the game moving, or it can take a long time.

My idea.... speed settlers. We finally tried it out with Mike and Mindy. We started with 30 second time limit and went two or three rounds. While 30 seconds worked, we decided 45 seconds would work better. The game was fun, Elena won (she's on a streak of winning games), and she enjoyed it. She said she wasn't looking forward to playing, but that she enjoyed it. The game only lasted about 30 minutes.

For those people interested in playing yourselves. I used my watch as a timer, it resets automatically. We decided that a left over time from the person before you could be used. The decreased time is particularly difficult if a 7 is rolled and you're over the limit, and it really cuts into your time for trading. We may increase it a little next time we play.

An option that Mike came up with would be individual timers, and your given a limit for the game. For example, if you wanted the game to last just an hour and four people were playing, you give 15 minutes a piece on their individual timers that count down. If you run out of time, then you lose automatically.

Other favorite house rules... match play in Uno, $500 bonus when you land on go in Monopoly.

What games do you enjoy playing?
What are some of your favorite 'house rules'?

Welcome to Elena

Elena finally said, "I want to be able to post!" She's been invited the whole time, but had not yet shown interest, and so now she's signed up. I anxiously await her first post.

And here is an adorable picture of Kara before going to church today.

Updated Links, and Etiquette

So I want some input. I've just updated the links.

Is there anyone missing? I tried looking through everyone's links, but I'm sure I've missed someone. Please leave a comment and let me know who I might have missed. (I'm sure I've missed some of Elena's High school friends.

If you want to be listed differently (don't worry Brady and Shawnee, by default I go without last names) let me know. I like that you've spelled out your wishes on your blog (Shawnee). Some of you I put down your blog title as well...

Is there an appropriate way to ask to be linked back to somebody else's blog? What's the etiquette on blog links. Is it... if I link you, you link me? Do you give a link in a comment to let someone's blog you're reading that you have a blog as well? Or is this all handled better by email?

So to summarize (answer any you wish)
1. Who's missing from my links?
2. Do you want your link changed (or removed)?
3. What is proper blog etiquette regarding links?

Happy Birthday, Elena

Today is Elena's birthday. I won't say how old she is, but I'll give you a math hint. It's the result of a number raised (exponent) to itself.

Give her a call and wish her a Happy Birthday. I unfortunately will be working (on call all night).

New Pictures

I'm putting this post on just for some of the newest pictures of Kara, as requested by many people. I'm also in the process of getting caught up from our Utah trip, and you can see some posts below...

We've got TV!

Well, actually, we just bought rabbit ear antennae. We've been without broadcast TV for a year, because we're too cheap to pay for cable, but we wanted to watch the olympics (and we have enjoyed them).

And for those of you who were thinking maybe we had gotten a NEW tv, no, that dream is still not yet a reality.

Adam's Canyon

We took a hike up Adam's canyon on one of our last days in Utah. It's one of our favorites. It's very close to Elena's parents. The first time we hiked it we were dating, so it has some sentimental value as well.

Hogle Zoo

We made a family trip to the Zoo. Roll call included Nola (Elena's mom) Esther, Kennedy and Katelyn (two of my nieces) Elena and I with Kara, Melanie with her kids (see the link to Melaniemom) and her mom, Nola's sister Elizabeth, and Laurel with Claire. All in all we had quite the large group. The bird show was probably the highlight, it may be my first attempt at some video editing.

Week at the Child's in Utah

We had our second week at Elena's family. We had lots of fun with our nieces who were also staying there as Darren and Katie are off in Peru.

We had fun doing various things. Too bad I don't have any pictures (or video) of us all (well, except Dad or Mom) playing Rock Band.

Kara's Blessing

Kara's blessing was the principle reason for us to come to Utah. We wanted to be able to share it with as much family as possible. We appreciate everyone who made it, and understand for those who couldn't. It was a very nice day, and I don't feel like sharing particulars about the blessing online.

Grandpa (or Great-Grandpa for Kara) C's 80th Birthday

While in Utah, Elena's extended family celebrated their grandfathers 80th birthday. It was good to see nearly everyone.

Utah Baby Shower

Laurel was so nice to throw us a baby shower while we were in Utah. It was great to see family and friends, and people have been so generous. I've been particularly grateful for the bouncer that was given to us, because Kara does so well in it and it's nice to be able to set her down (though even more so for Elena who does much more of the caring for than I do).

No pictures of this, but I did get some video, and I'll upload it in a bit...

Week at my family's in Utah

We made it to Utah in time to go to a family reunion with my Mom's family.

We stayed at my family's for our first week in Utah. I enjoyed being with family, playing basketball with Shawn, and PS3 with Chris and Shawn.

We went out to eat, (we enjoyed Roma Ristorante ) with my Dad, and Elena also went shopping.

Beast settled down quite well in my parents house, but was shy for a while. He enjoyed finding high places to scope things out. He stayed there the following week while we were at Elena's parents as well.

And Dad, thanks for the sacrifice, we appreciate it.