I had to army crawl half way down the lane that day to drag my two year old back after he experimented with a new bowling strategy.
It mimicked what you'd do on a summer slip 'n slide but he did this down the bowling lane. It was quite genius, to be honest and he at least waited until the 8th frame to experiment.
How did we handle it?
First up to help the situation was his eldest brother who swung that toddler bowling ramp out of the way- ready to tackle the world and save everyone- only to stand at the edge of the lane swinging his arms around. His heroic behavior seemed to entice Mr. Slippy as he looked back and started giggling and continued scooting himself down the lane on his belly. The ramp that big bro flung went directly into our very intense bowler neighbor's lane and messed up her throw.
Naturally- she seemed to love our presence that day.
Next up-middle brother was screaming slip n slide brother’s name but- only from his very comfy seat- far from the scene of the crime. Just enough involvement to be present but not quite doing much of anything to help. Anyone else have a child like this? Regardless, just in case someone couldn't see us visually- oh they heard us now too 👍 Great.
So– with not much help, no other choices, and at least 57 judging eyeballs…I began the army crawl to retrieve that little angel by his leg and shimmy us back to less slippery ground. Good thing I wore my stretchiest of stretchy leggings that day.
Damn. Moms are superheroes.
Prior to this highlight there was also a very theatrical bloody nose experience. One crying episode for losing and the game "not being fair". Another tear jerker for having to wear "yucky shoes" and a third because their little brother chucked the ball down the lane during his second turn.
And "...how come he can't just EVER wait his turn?! He's two now mom!"
When we returned our shoes with blood covered clothes (remember- there was a dramatic life threatening🙃nose bleed that occurred) the kind worker said "only one game guys?!" I almost laughed in his face. "We had our bowling fill for the day, sir! Thank you!" ✌️
We safely made it back to our rental car (that's a whole different story) and when everyone was successfully strapped down– I scrolled through my phone and sent Will a few pics along with the message… "We had so much fun bowling!" I sent it quick and then paused...
Really Mandi?🤔
'so fun'?
But…it was weirdly and truthfully accurate. It was a blast. Sure- embarrassing things happened. At different moments everyone in our party (and the parties around us) looked pissed but overall- bigger picture - all four of us are excited to go again.
Ya know maybe next month- not tomorrow or any time soon 😅 but we will go again. It made me laugh when I reflected on what actually happened in those 10 bowling frames.
Activities with our kids are not supposed to be easy.
We can't expect them to be.
We shouldn't compare ourselves to other families that appear to be less of a mess because the truth is...
We're all a mess. Some may just hide it better.
U r quite the adventurous one! ❤️🙃