Time w/niece

Suggested bowling as a fun activity for out of state teen niece staying at my sister's house. Sister wasn't sure, niece is very lukewarm about an activity available (granted there are not a lot of things to do here in the first place). I make her ask her anyway. Niece would like do that. Younger niece and nephew never been to a bowling alley before, but have enjoyed kid multi-colored pins w/plastic ball at my place.

Ok, first problem is little kids don't want to change their shoes. They must otherwise the floor gets scratched up. They don't care if the whole floor is scratched up by their sneakers. Yes I know that, but the bowling alley people do care so take the shoes off. Next, they cry cause shoelaces are tied together and have knots along the laces (Untied the laces and don't worry about the knots). Niece's shoelace is broken so one is longer than the other (I tie her shoes and double tie when she whines she will trip on the long lace). Ok, next problem. Niece wants a pink ball. The kid balls are orange, pink ones are way too heavy. Orange ball too heavy so want pink ball that is 4 pounds heavier. Both complain the ball is too heavy, but brother-in-law shows them how to toss it. (We are not playing volleyball here so ball can be a little heavy). I show how to toss it holding w/both hands and swing between straddled legs (the kid way). Well, brother-in-law didn't want to teach that way. OK. But when their arm got tired, we told them to use both hands. I haven't had lunch so I get a drink and cheesesticks w/fries. Nephew is thirsty and hungry. He just ate so his Daddy will have to pay for it (I'm not their Genie who grants all wishes). Daddy isn't buying anything cause they just ate. At the end when my refill needed to disappear I let the kids finish it.

Ok, so we start to bowl and the kids have so much fun bowling w/bumpers (wish they had bumpers when I was young). When kids were pooped, we took turns bowling for them. I even grabbed the kids ball and bowled the kids way described above making the kids laugh. Sometimes we just need a laugh. So when 2 games were over, kids got over being tired. Too late, game over.

Next, we go home so brother-in-law can mow the lawn before it rains. So we sit and talk to my sick sister. Kids have to cuddle with her. Brother-in-law got out popicles and niece wanted to eat hers while laying on top of Mommy. Sister didn't want a popicle dripping on her so had to eat it in the kitchen. Niece doesn't feel well so stays home while the rest of us go to the amusement. If it was up to nephew, we would stay on one ride all day. But we make him get off after 2 turns. Ride things until park closed and went home soaking wet. I had to go grocery shopping afterwards so walked through the store very cold and wet. Then went to bed so could get up early for work today. Tomorrow is family reunion.