Memory

We (Corey, Natalie and I) are a bit addicted to playing Memory. Not just any Memory. My Little Pony Memory. Oh, yeah! 54 cards picturing ponies with names like Sweet Summertime, Pinkie Pie and Butterscotch. But there really isn't anything sweet and innocent about this game once it gets rolling. It's every dad, mom and 4 year old for him/herself. Corey and I give it all we've got but it is rare that we beat Natalie. She racks up pairs faster than we can count them and does so with a smirk that's mildly unnerving. And while she's collecting her pile of matching cards, she actually says things like, "I'm going to clean up this board" and "this game is all mine!"

At first, we cut her a few breaks. She'd pout when we picked her favorite cards...even get a little teary...so, we'd hand them over to her thinking she'd benefit from the pair in the end. Well, no more!! Favorites, schmavorites! We need every card we can get our hands on to even come close to her final count.



First, we blamed our inability to beat Natalie on the fact that we played at night before bed when Corey and I were fried. So, we started playing around lunch time to boost our chances. She still beat us. I play with her first thing in the morning. Still can't beat her. Then Auntie Ashley played her...and, naturally, fell victim to her theatrics about the favorite card business and handed a pair over at the first sight of a pouty lip. Well, by the end of the game, Ashley took her gifted match back and still lost.

I'm definitely the worst at this game but Corey loses to her plenty, too, and often only beats her by one matched set. I'm actually nervous to introduce her to Monopoly. It's going to be brutal!