As summer quickly approaches, I can’t help but think about summer vacations spent at my grandparents’ cottage. My grandfather passed away this spring and many of my memories of him were from these trips. It was a long 5 hour drive up north, but it was so much fun to spend a week or two with my grandparents, aunt and uncle. We went swimming, canoeing, blueberry picking, camping, fishing and hiking. In the evenings we built fires to make s’mores or sat around the dining room table and played card games. Lots of card games.

As I kid I didn’t appreciate just how special these evenings playing games together were. But as a parent I am learning just how magical it is when you find games and activities that both you and your children enjoy doing together.

Last year our family started playing a card game called Sushi Go Party. And it has been a huge hit! We’ve loved it so much that we’ve introduced it to many of our relatives. There are few games that are simple enough for a 5 year old to play (and win) against adults.

After seeing how much our kids enjoyed playing Sushi Go Party, I decided to teach our kids a favorite card game of mine from my summers at the cottage. Our family called it Tricks, but the game has other names including Blackout.

It was emotional teaching our kids a card game that I played growing up. This game brings back so many happy memories of those evenings playing cards together.

I’m grateful that my son enjoys playing Tricks and that he is interested in learning more card games this summer. We may not have a typical summer this year, but I’m excited to make it one filled with memories both old and new.