Let's go Bowling!!

It was Sunday morning and we were trying to decide what to do. The weather forecast was predicting rain so we needed an indoor activity. We are always up for a new adventure so we decided to head to the bowling alley! We called ahead to see if they could accommodate toddlers and they told us they have ramps and there were no problems. So, Capital Lanes... here we come!

When we arrived, we were prepared to have the boys bowl in their socks. However, we were so excited to learn that the "special shoes" came in the boys size! The boys were eager to put on their special shoes... These shoes looked so cute on the boys that I wanted to walk out with them. Aside from this being very inappropriate behavior, they would probably out grow them before I could blink. A bunch of pictures of the cute feet will do... for now! The boys were excited and very curious about this new activity. We had to continue to remind the boys to stay behind the silver line but they responded very well. We would stand behind the silver line and cheer for the bowler. 'Papa Bear' started off the game and showed the boys how to bowl. After 'Papa Bear's' bowl, it was 'Mama Bear's' turn and I showed the boys how to bowl well.. ha! The boys cheered us on...

Then the real fun started! 'Papa Bear' helped the boys and 'J-Bear' was the first to bowl...

Then it was 'Drew Bear's' turn...

Last, but certainly not least, it was 'Wessy Bear's' turn...

I was so proud! It was a similar feeling that I can compare with watching them take their first steps. The boys enjoyed their turn at bowling but the real excitement occurred when the ball return would spit their ball back at them. Jared was overcome with excitement to see the endless ball supply spit out another ball...

Andrew started off bowling very well and as you will see in a moment, he started off taking an early lead. However, after analyzing this picture closely, I think he was 'enhancing' his score a little bit. Kids these days learn how to use computers so fast!

Wes was patiently awaiting his next bowl...

Daddy and Andrew share a 'high-5' after a great shot...

Jared beaming with pride after a great bowl.... back to the ball return...

Wes tries to guide the ball with some body language. It works kid, don't give up!

The names were entered by 'Papa Bear.' He is so cute! In the 8th frame, 'Drew Bear' has the lead.

It was the 8th frame stretch so we paused to take a pop-pop break....

After our pop-pop break, we returned our focus back to the lane to finish our game. There are no additional pictures of bowling after this point as 'Mama Bear' needed to focus on her game! Seriously, I was not going to let a 2-year-old beat me. Pfft! Well, the results speak for themselves...

Go 'Mama Bear' Go!

The bowling alley was not crowded on a Sunday morning. There was a family a few lanes over that was also having their first bowling experience but their children were approximately 8 years old. I took a picture for them and they, in return, offered to take a 'Team Darnell' bowling picture...

When we were done bowling, each of the boys took their own 'special shoes' back up to the counter, handed them back and said 'thank you' to the staff.

We had a really great time! We always approach a new activity with caution and concern for how the boys will respond. They continue to surprise us by responding very well to new environments and new activities. It's also exciting that we can get out and about with the boys and they also respond well to redirection. They are listening better and can follow directions. It gives us the ability to relax and actually enjoy the activity.

Before I end this post, I want to include a brief video of Wesley's special bowling style...

We can't wait to go bowling again!

Take care,