Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate with this plan and rainy weather forced us to improvise. So, instead of amusement park rides, we ended up bowling at our favorite Maple Lanes.
Along the way, Nana and Papa Shepard got lost and ended up in Mill Basin. And Stella's friend Caitlin got in a minor fender-bender on the drive over. But eventually everyone arrived and the bowling commenced.
There was a really spectacular bowler practicing in the lane next to us. A strike almost every time. But it became clear that our lunatics were beginning to distract him, so I went over to have a chat. He smiled and said it was fine. He explained that the kids allowed him to practice bowling with distractions. I told him we would be giving him lots of practice.
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| The vending machines cost more than the bowling! |
Eventually we finished our bowling and headed for some pizza lunch and then back home for cake and presents.
On the way home I spied an orthodox Jewish neighborhood patrol "cop" and proceeded to sing a Jewish version of the "Cops" theme song ("Oy vey, oy vey, what ya gonna do?") The 5 girls in our car immediately began to serenaded Lisa and I with their version of my singing.
Once home we blew out candles, ate cake, did a scavenger hunt for presents, and then sang and danced some more.
Things began to wind down around five.
That evening Stella told Lisa and I that this was the best birthday party ever. That was very nice to hear, and it just goes to show that you don't always need to spend a ton of money on an over-the-top party.
Let the planning begin for next year!
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| Using the same 9-month candle for 9-years |
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| Performing "Rolling in the Deep" |
