Bowling with the Family

When we started thinking about celebrating Walter's birthday, I knew we wanted something special.  It was his 62th birthday, or as our friend Dorothy Jean says, "The Social Security birthday!".  I considered having the family over to our house.  We do this a lot so I decided not to host the party as so much preparation is required for cleaning the house, creating a menu and then the cooking and the clean-up afterward.

I looked into using the YMCA for a swimming party.  The party room rent was medium priced and we would have the pool for an hour.  We discussed it and decided against it as Walter nor I actually swim.  Only the children and grandchildren would enjoy the pool.

So we looked around for something else that would be fun for Walter but also hold the attention of the rest of the family.  When we started dating about 25 years ago, Walter was on a company bowling league.  He enjoyed it then and occasionally still bowls.  I visited the local lane and found we could rent 3 lanes for an hour of bowling, which included shoe rental, pizza, and soft drinks.  We also could bring in our own cake.  For 14 people that was perfect for us!  It also was priced lower than any other venue.  So off to bowling we went.

Here are some pictures of our day and us having fun.

Gift Bags for Grandchildren Holding Candy, Stickers, Pen and Note Pads & Crayons

Birthday Boy, Walter, Before We Leave for the Party

When we started bowling, whenever anyone scored a strike, we took a picture of them with a silly reaction.  We really had a swell time striking poses.  No one was super competitive.  We just enjoyed being together as a family.


Martha Celebrates Her First Strike



Chandler Shows Good Form



Tracy Rolls a Ten Pound Ball

Walter Rolls a Strike



Chris Poses the Most Goofy After Scoring a Strike

Tommy Smiles About His Strike

Kash is About to Bowl, Aunt Tracy Encourages Him

Keith is Happy After His Strike

Brandy Gives Two Thumbs Up
 

Brandon Shows Hands Up Pose

Austin is Happy About His Score

We paused for pizza and cupcakes.  I had made spice cupcakes.  When Tracy took her first bite she said she remembered when they were little that I used to make them spice cake.  I did bake them applesauce spice cakes, so I was glad to know she remembered that from her childhood.

Walter Blows Out the Candles

I made 24 cupcakes and only had to take home a couple of them.  They will be good in lunches this week.

Nola Singing the "Happy Birthday" Song to Her Grandpoppie

Heather Gives a Beautiful Smile

Tommy Tries to Get Excited About the Singing - Not!

Martha is Glad the Family is Enjoying Themselves

Walter was extremely happy about the outing and afterward I was glad to just kick back and look at the pictures rather than facing any clean up!  Everyone wins.  God is good.