"Family Reunion" Bingo!

I love these people! That's why the bingo game I designed for my grandsons is really just a set of oversized Valentine's Day cards. When mommy and daddy join the boys to play, they'll all be reminded of how much they are loved by so many of us, including multiple pets whose furry little faces also appear among those of loving human relatives.

We have 14 in our immediate family. When paternal grandparents and some pets are included, that's more than enough to fill 19 squares on the 25 space board. For now, we'll leave a few empty spots for later as future grandkids and additional animals arrive.

Besides the "everybody-on-this-card-loves-me" factor that is so perfect for this time of year, there are other benefits that come with playing this game. Advanced numbers don't need to be recognized, so kids as young as two can not only play, but also handle a turn at being game caller.

"Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal" will easily become part of everyone's vocabulary.

And then there's the prizes! I am going to evenly divide them by wrapping in individual colors for each child (and adult). Winners select only their own until they are gone, so no one has to fret about being an "unloved loser" on Valentine's Day! (A crime, by the way, that NEVER occurs on any day at grandma's house!)

Here's basic instructions for making a similar set of boards to enjoy playing with your family:

1.) Print head shots on your computer using the "contact sheet" option (that's what HP Pictures calls it), creating individual 1" x 1.5" photos.
Print one head of each person per card with an extra for the set of "calling cards."
Making 4 cards? Print 5 photos of each family member.
2.) Trim the photos. Glue them to a background sheet of paper (optional). Trim again.

3.) Use rubber cement to glue the photos to a sheet of 8.5" x 11" solid color cardstock. Arrange them in 5 rows of 5 photos each with a "free square" in the center. Be sure each card has a different arrangement! Allow about 2" for the header on top of the page. Fill in any empty spaces without pictures with a rectangle of scrapbook paper.

4.) Cut a 22" x 28" piece of lightweight cardboard into fourths and glue the playing cards to them, allowing room at the top for decorating.

5.) Use scrapbook paper and craft supplies to decorate the tops of each card. Trim outside edges.

6.) Mount the extra "calling card" photos on cardstock scraps.

7.) Collect buttons or use candy "conversation hearts" for markers.