Family Blog

Board games are a timeless way to bring people together, spark laughter, and ignite some friendly competition. Whether you're entertaining toddlers, teens, or grandparents, there's a perfect game for every age group. Here's your go-to guide for fun that fits the whole family!

For Young Kids (Ages 3–7):

• Candy Land – A colorful adventure for little ones learning colors and turns.
  Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon
• Outfoxed! – A cooperative mystery game that encourages problem-solving.
  Available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon

For Tweens & Teens (Ages 8–16):

• Ticket to Ride – Build railways across the country while learning strategy and geography.
  Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon
• Codenames – A word association game that keeps everyone thinking and guessing.
  Available at Barnes & Noble and local game shops

For Adults & Mixed-Age Groups:

• Catan – A classic game of trading and building that’s perfect for family strategy nights.
  Available at Amazon, Target, and specialty game stores
• Telestrations – Like telephone, but with drawings—hilarious fun for all ages.
  Available at Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop

For the Whole Extended Family:

• Uno or Uno Flip – A fast-paced card game with endless surprises.
  Available everywhere games are sold
• Pictionary Air – A tech twist on the drawing game that gets everyone moving.
  Available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon

Let the Games Begin!

No matter your age or game style, there's a board game out there to keep the fun rolling.

✅ Do you own or have you played any of these games? Tell us in the comments!
🎲 What’s your all-time favorite board game? Share below!
🎉 Challenge: Pick up a new game from this list, invite family over, and host your next unforgettable game night!

Hey Hicks Fam! Just stopping by to share a bit of info about the embattled company 23andMe and why you might want to delete your account and reconsider using genetic testing sites.

Founded in 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza, 23andMe emerged as a trailblazer in direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The company's name reflects the 23 pairs of chromosomes in human DNA. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, 23andMe rapidly gained prominence, offering individuals insights into their ancestry and genetic health risks through simple at-home saliva kits. At its peak, the company boasted over 15 million customers and secured partnerships with pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline, which invested $300 million in 2018 to leverage 23andMe's vast genetic database for drug development. ​

Despite its initial success, 23andMe faced mounting challenges. In 2013, the FDA temporarily halted its health-related genetic reports due to regulatory concerns. More critically, a significant data breach in 2023 compromised the personal information of approximately 6.9 million users, severely tarnishing the company's reputation. These setbacks, coupled with declining sales and legal entanglements, culminated in 23andMe filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. ​

The bankruptcy has ignited widespread apprehension regarding the fate of the sensitive genetic data amassed by 23andMe. Privacy advocates and legal experts warn that in the event of an acquisition, new ownership might exploit this data in unforeseen ways, potentially impacting areas like insurance underwriting and employment. Given the limited protections offered by laws such as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), customers are increasingly vulnerable to potential misuse of their genetic information. ​

In light of these developments, it is prudent for former 23andMe users to proactively safeguard their genetic data by deleting their accounts and associated information. To do so, follow these steps:​

1. Log into your 23andMe account: Access the platform using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Account Settings: Click on your profile name or icon, typically located in the upper-right corner, and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.​
3. Access Data Management Options: Scroll down to find the "23andMe Data" section and click on "View."​
4. Initiate Data Deletion: Within this section, locate and select the option labeled "Permanently Delete Data."​
5. Confirm Deletion Request: You will receive an email from 23andMe to verify your deletion request. Confirm the action by following the instructions provided in the email.​

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the risk of your genetic information being misused in the wake of 23andMe's uncertain future. ​Some customers, however, are choosing to retain their data with 23andMe, citing potential benefits for medical research and personal health insights. They argue that their genetic information could contribute to scientific advancements and that the company's existing privacy measures are sufficient. Additionally, some users believe that the potential risks are outweighed by the value of personalized health information and ancestry insights they receive.

Ultimately, the decision to delete or retain one's genetic data is a personal one, weighing the potential benefits against the risks in the context of 23andMe's current situation. Be careful!