Birthday Bowling

For Avery's 9th birthday party we reserved two lanes for bumper bowling.  I love how excited Avery gets for  her special day.  She was just giddy! 

It started with an invitation designed by her sister.  Kyndra actually made up 6 selections for Avery to choose from.  She had a little grid with numbered drawings.  It was really professionally done.

I always "surprise" the girls by decorating their room while they are sleeping.  Well Avery has been reminding me for a week to buy streamers and balloons.  She even made a shopping list for me.  The night before her birthday Kyndra's basketball game went until almost 9 and they still had to shower.   Before I knew it, the girls started blowing up balloons and decorating!  They had more fun giggling.  They were down there naming each balloon and deciding how long it's "tail" should be to hang by. It felt funny letting her decorate for her own birthday morning but I loved the teamwork and laughter.

Party day was finally here yesterday.  We had a crew of 7 kids, Grandma and Grandpa, and my friend Stephanie.  Steph and I even got to bowl with the bumpers up!

Here's the long-legged birthday girl with her big smile.  

It's hard to believe she was only 5lbs 8oz when she was born!

Kyndra getting her first spare of the night!

 It was an absolute riot seeing these little girls swing that heavy ball.  One little girl in particular would wind up that ball by swinging it back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, finally letting it go.  One time she dropped it on her back swing!

Avery's strategy was to bank the ball off the rails...three or four times...until it finally hit the pins.

Ah...those stylish and beautiful bowling shoes.

 Our birthday crew of fantastic friends.  I really feel fortunate for the friends Kyndra and Avery have found here.  We enjoy every one of their unique personalities.

 Happy Birthday beautiful girl! 

btw it took three of us and a sledge hammer to cut through this icecream cake.  Thanks Mom, Dad, and Steph for all of your help making this party a success.