1. Rent out one of the oldest alleys in your town.
2. Husband realizes that his old alley doesn’t have computerized scoring. Has no idea how to score bowling. Oh those snobby New Englanders who attended the opera whilst us hearty Midwesterners were either getting lucky in the back of an Oldsmobile or bowling. Or possibly both.
3. Hire two year old to score bowling.
4. Everyone ties with a 59! Prizes for all.
5. Make sure all lanes have bumpers. No gutter-balls increase everyone’s enjoyment. Even mine.
6. Invite 10 people that you like. And make sure those 10 people like to get a 59 when they bowl.
7. Let the older kids have their own lane and their own score-keeper because they want MORE than a 59. Because they are old and cool. And Midwestern.
8. Bring homemade cupcakes.
9. And enjoy the cards your friends made for you even more than the gifts.
10. Hug your best friend a lot. And congratulate her on her awesome score of 59!
Go forth and bowl my friends.
Looks like a perfect (Midwestern!) party! Love!
It was super good. I usually love just home parties but this was good…and very little clean-up!
A perfect party. I want a bowling alley party too. Do you think it’d be tacky for a 40 year old? (not long now, another 4 years)
If there were a lot of beer it would be totally appropriate.
Totally going bowling for my next birthday. I hope they put up bumpers because gutter balls take the joy out of everything.
Happy Birthday, Queen Esther!
I have no idea how to score bowling without computerized scoring. Love this post and your beautiful pictures!
So so sweet, I could never score without a computer either but would be totally happy with a 59.
Great approach! The bumpers are game day savers, for sure!
And where we live in NJ, anything homemade is welcomed (since most people buy their baked goods).
Happy birthday!!
Darlene
Adults should be able to use bumpers too! It looks like the girls had so much fun. And yummy cupcakes! Did the girls all want their own bowling shoes after the party?
Now that is a party!
So funny! We went to a bowling alley for a party a few weeks ago and I actually thought to myself “I’m glad this is computerized because I have no idea how to score this stuff.” WOOO! 59!
I’ve messed up scoring when the computer was doing it all, so, 59′s all around! That looks like a wonderful time was had by all. And you’ve sneaked that symbolism in there again, you know: Esther loving the cards more than the gifts. It’s all your doing. Also, I’d like someone to paint my cheek.
You know, I distinctly remember my very first time bowling . . . and it was a 59. And I have no idea if that was because the scorekeeper made it a 59 or if, because, I actually got a 59. I do remember getting a strike on the very last ball I threw.
Looks like all involved had a great time! Congratulations on a party well-thrown!
But how did you marry a man who doesn’t know how to properly score bowling?!
I not only love your pictures (seriously will come to PA to take pictures of my sons and possibly me since I am convinced you can make me look skinny?) but I also love the commentary on them, the humor and giggle you bring to all of it.
Esther and her best friend are the PICTURE of FRIENDSHIP ..love it
What a perfect time…such love all around…and the joking innuendos or “in the windows” or I don’t know…such great fun! Sahweet!
Absolutely adorable and I bet a lot less expensive than the birthday party I’m about to have for my 5 year old. I think you did it better. =)
looks like a great time! my southern-self would be more than happy with a 59 and the inability to bowl a gutter ball.
Oh that pic of her with her bestie, so sweet!! Looks like a great party to me. I love to bowl.
A wonderful post! And, now I want to go bowling!
I didn’t know that bowling alleys even existed like that anymore?
hand written score cards? how quaint..
what’s next?
homemade cupcakes?
oh, wait…
59? Wow! Pretty sure that is better than I bowl. Which I haven’t done since I was pregnant with my middle child. Can’t bowl again. Ever. Wouldn’t want people to know my big ole 5months preggo belly was not the cause of my bad bowling. Then again, your post makes it look like totally awesome!
Love the Ran Ham – we are so lucky to have it in our ‘hood! Esther looks sooooo happy.
This looks like great party. I think 59 is a great score. I love that they got to use bumpers.
I would be lucky to get a 59 in bowling. Astrid can be my scorekeeper anytime
I didn’t even know there was such a thing as lane bumpers. Where have they been all my stinky shoed bowling life?