Bowling!

A couple of weeks ago our friends Craig & Carrie suggested we all go bowling...with the kids. I couldn't believe they wanted the kids to go but thought it was a great idea. Byron on the other hand was stressed out at the mention of it. But we scheduled it and the evening finally got here. The kids were excited even though they really had no idea what we were doing. I gently reminded Byron to just have fun. Then we prayed as a family for a fun night, listening kids & patient parents.

Once there I have to admit I was disappointed they didn't have shoes small enough for them. But no worries I took Ella to find a bowling ball & Byron took Vance. Once that was done they wanted to get started. I helped Ella carry her ball up and then she gave it a good push. The ball slowly rolled down the lane but surprisingly it knocked down 5 pins.
Byron took Vance and he too pushed a very slow ball. Thank goodness for the bumpers in the gutters. Problem was there were actually 6 of us bowling. Can you imagine how hard it is for a 2 year old & 3 year old to wait for 5 other people to bowl before you get another turn. This is where Mommy had to be creative. We started giving each person a high five and saying good luck. We sat on the floor right where it was safe. We found the hand dryer & dried our hands many times. The people beside us left so the kids ran to the wall & back a few times. That ended when new people arrived so they played musical chairs sitting by themselves or on one of our laps.

At one of Vance's turns he decided he was going to carry his ball to the line. After that he got super excited.

Ella liked to watch her ball. Well I guess I encouraged that from the first roll because that is what I do. However, she managed to just stand still unlike me where I always tend to lean the direction I want the ball to go.

Byron & I were so happy how both the kids took to Carrie & Craig. They have seen them at church & at the house occasionally but this was the most one on one time with them. Carrie & Craig were great. They didn't stress when Vance wanted every time to be his turn. One or both them offered to hold him & usually he went. Ella decided it was good to sit with one of them too when Vance was getting that extra attention.


For those that know me, I am competitive. It's amazing how adding kids to the equation takes away that competitiveness. I still tried hard but I wasn't obsessed with winning. I was happy with second:-). Byron won!
The evening was fun & both kids want to go back. Vance so carefully said on the way home, "Bowl ball again please." Poor thing he is under the impression that if he uses the word please it means an immediate response to his request. I told him with confidence we will go back again but it was clearly time for bed. I do believe we will go back again. Next time Byron would prefer us to choose a less busy time.
I was very happy with the evening. I was really proud of the kids & made sure to tell them on the way home. You know they never once screamed or squealed loudly, which is their custom when excited. They really listened to us the whole evening & handled the need to wait their turn VERY well. Byron also did great. When all the lanes started filling up he started to stress. He just doesn't want our kids to interfere on another person's fun. But he kept the stress under control & had fun. It's awesome to see an immediate answer to prayer. God really blessed our evening and gave us great friends to share it with. I am thankful!