Sigma Beta's Eggsellent Adventure 2006

[Tannerman]

Over the weekend of January 13-16, Amy and I gathered with some college friends at what we called Sigma Beta's Eggsellent Adventure. Like last summer's Sigma Beta Michigan Meetup™, this winter gathering brought together guys who all lived together on Sigma Beta, the 2nd floor in Bergwall Hall at Taylor University... and our significant others and kids.

Group Photo in the Eggleston Home Theater

Before the TannerWorld Junction discussion forums existed, there was Sigma Beta's House of Talk, an online community we created in 2001 to stay in touch. Today, that community continues as a private area within the Junction and accessible via SigmaBetaWorld.com.

SigmaBetaWorld.com

We all met up at the home of Danny and Jamie Eggleson (hence the "Eggsellent Adventure") near South Bend, IN. The tradition of gathering in the winter started many years ago when we used to congregate in the Windy City for the Chicago Auto Show (often known as the Sigma Beta "You Auto Show Up" Event™). I've been removed from my college days for 9 years now, but we continue to stay in touch online and through what has become a tradition of winter & summer events each year.

ATV Offroad Fury 2 for PlayStation 2

For the guys, it's often a chance to get together and play some video games together. This time around, Danny introduced us to his recently constructed basement home theater, complete with projection screen (and you know what, that drop ceiling doesn't look half bad!). Josh Folkerts brought his PlayStation 2 along with the 4-controller adapter, and the rest is history. Last winter, the game of choice was Twisted Metal: Black. However, this time around, we all got tons of fun out of ATV Offroad Fury 2.

ATV Hockey rocks!

The fun part of this wasn't so much the 4-person offroad racing. No, actually the best part was one of the mini games featured as a bonus on the disc. It was called Hockey. Yes, you heard that right! Hockey played with ATVs. Envision a hockey rink, 4 ATVs spinning around on the ice, and everyone trying to push an oversized puck into a goal. This game rocked! I hearby call for the creation of the Sigma Beta ATV Hockey League!

Time for Settlers of Catan

Of course, we didn't totally stick to electronic games. Sometimes the classics are based on good old board. Settlers of Catan returned for those who were interested (I think Amy and I are some of the few who just don't get the fascination).

Whodunnit while playing Clue?

We played a newer game called Carcassonne which was interesting. And then the gals played one of my favorite, more traditional classics, 1988's Clue Master Detective.

Nat & Jacob, with moms Katie & Tina

Special appearances were made by Nathaniel Olson and Jacob Folkerts, famous for both being born on the same date last year! How's that for coincidence with those dates?

Tim & Jen get a baby shower

Speaking of babies, it looks like Tim and Jen Walston will be adding a new addition come this summer. We held a surprise baby shower for them during the weekend.

Tim, Josh, and Eric hit the Frisbee golf course

But you can only spend so much time indoors. So the guys headed to a local county park to play a professional Frisbee Golf course. Granted, Danny is pretty much an expert Frisbee guy, being involved in Ultimate tournaments and dog flying disc compeitions, so the rest of us pretty much had no shot.

Josh kinda had a tough shot here!

In fact, this course was rather tough. Think a hiking trail, but a little wider, with woods all around you. And now try to throw Frisbees at targets within the confined space! Yeah, we spent a lot of time throwing from within the woods. Ooops!

Danny throws towards the goal

We ended up playing in teams. Eric Childs and myself vs. Tim Walston & Josh Folkerts vs. Danny. And you know what? Danny still beat us all! But it was a great time playing. I'd totally do that again... but hopefully in warmer circumstances. It took me a while to feel my fingers after being out in the cold that long!

Danny & Guinan

I mentioned that Danny is involved with dog flying disc competitions. Well, we got a demonstration with his dog Guinan in their back yard (yes, the dog is named after a Star Trek character).

Let's go airbourne!

I'm not really a dog fan, but I must admit, I was impressed with the show! Overall, very cool to watch.

Hanging out and having fun!

We each take turns making meals; there's never a lack of food! In attendance during this weekend were our hosts Danny & Jamie Eggleston, Josh & Tina Folkerts (and their son Jacob), Tim & Jen Walston, Eric & Kelli Childs, Matt & Kelly Kiser, Rob & Katie Olson (and their son Nathaniel), and Amy & myself.

Getting ready for a movie in the basement

And that was pretty much our weekend. It's been great to continue this tradition of gathering, even as families change and grow, or as others are introduced to the group via marriage. I love hanging with these guys. They are some of my best friends, even though we don't physicially see each other that often. Way to go Internet!

[henryjz]

I'm not a big fan of Settlers either. It takes too long and is VERY boring.

[Egg]

Originally Posted by henryjz

I'm not a big fan of Settlers either. It takes too long and is VERY boring.

Then you play it with the wrong people.

[Childs]

Originally Posted by henryjz

I'm not a big fan of Settlers either. It takes too long and is VERY boring.

I would have to agree. I just get bored and distracted thinking about other things while I play.

[Kidologist]

As an official card carrying member of the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association), I have to say that it is not 'Frisbee Golf' - the correct term is Disc Golf. It is a very serious sport not to be confused with tossing a Frisbee around. It is a very skill based sport (much like sport stacking ) that is often not taken as seriously as it ought. I have a bag with many different discs numbered just like normal golf, for wieght, speed, flight curve, and even two putter discs.

The best thing about Disc Golf is that most of the courses are free to play on. (I guess no one would actually PAY to throw Frisbees, er, DISCS at chain baskets.)

[Egg]

Originally Posted by Kidologist

The best thing about Disc Golf is that most of the courses are free to play on. (I guess no one would actually PAY to throw Frisbees, er, DISCS at chain baskets.)

WE were suppose to have to pay, but the person who takes the money was not around, and we didn't go looking for them.

Actually all the courses around me (4 of them) you have to pay for.

[henryjz]

Originally Posted by Egg

Then you play it with the wrong people.

No... it's just a boring game