Bowling for Sydney

It is a well-known fact that Sydney belongs to a family with generations of bowlers. (If you didn't know, well, now you do.) Sydney's great-uncle Ray Gagliardi, whom she never met, is in the Clark County Bowlers Hall of Fame. He bowled perfect games of 300 on several occasions. Her great-aunt Marlys is a steady, consistent, still-avid league bowler. Several of Marlys's sons carry averages over 200. Sydney's Grandpa Jim still bowls in leagues and just recently participated in the National tournament in Las Vegas. And let's not forget to mention Sydney's own dad, who just finished his finest year yet, carrying an average of 219! 

So anyway, let the tradition continue! Grandpa Jim took Sydney to Hazel Dell Lanes for her first bowling experience. She had a 6-pound ball and size 10 shoes (her toddler size 8 doesn't exist in the world of bowling shoes.) With bumpers up, she managed to bowl one complete game. She actually made it to the 9th frame before saying "I'm done". But she did finish the 10th, for a whopping score of 46!

Use those muscles, Sydney!

Nice placement of the ball on the lane.

Good follow-through...

Nothing to say here except "Cute squat"!

Check out the air between Sydney's feet and the floor!

Grandpa Jim gives Sydney some pointers.

What would a trip to the bowling alley be without arcade games too?

May Days

I'm a happy, loud child who belongs in the Zoo!

Well, it's June, and May has come and gone. Guess I was a bit preoccupied with my dad visiting, Mother's Day, travel to the Bay area for my mom's sister's memorial, softball on Sundays and just generally trying to keep 3.33-year-old Sydney out of trouble. She continues to take preschool gymnastics every Saturday morning after energizing with Dad's pancakes. We have also been going to the Vancouver Farmer's Market afterward. Sydney especially enjoys the kettle corn and the dogs that abound at the Market. She still misses Ellie (as we all do) and talks about her often. 

When my dad came to visit, Sydney must have said "Grandpa Joe" 100 times a day. Luckily it seemed to always put a smile on his face. "Grandpa Joe" this and "Grandpa Joe" that. "What did you say, Grandpa Joe?" 

Sydney and Grandpa Joe with the Zoo Bears.

Sitting still for a brief moment...with Grandpa Joe.

 

Flashback two years ago...Sydney was 14 months here. 

And here she is at 3.25 years old.

I  need a Hero! I'm holding out for a hero...(Footloose, anyone?)

Having lunch at Burgerville ...with Grandpa Joe.

Chilling... with Grandpa Joe.

Having Dim Sum with Steve and Abby Lee, formerly of Payson!

Sydney liked their dog, Go-goh. (Gentle, Sydney! Gentle!)

At home in Vancouver, planting our garden.

Planting pumpkin seeds from my Burgerville Kids Meal.

Here Sydney chants the password for sheep from "Babe". 

Sydney on the trampoline at gymnastics.