Snapshot Sunday: Alley Cats
I’m a big fan of new traditions.
Oh, we had the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, we’re having it for the third time tonight. Can I pack stuffing and mashed potatoes in a lunchbox? Watch me.
But I think my favorite new Thanksgiving tradition is going to be where we spend our Black Friday. You can keep your crowded malls and packed stores. I get itchy just thinking about them.
No, from now on, come the day after Thanksgiving you’ll find us at the bowling alley. Together. Wearing stinky shoes, throwing strikes and giving high fives.
We each have own bowling style. Which kind of mimics our real-life style.
One of us refuses to see limits on what she can do.
You know the ball’s a little heavy when you have to hike it up with your knee.
One of us knows exactly what she wants, and chooses to stand around with a little attitude, waiting for it to happen.
She takes the same stance with every request for a puppy.
One of us is cautiously optimistic. Not really believing she deserves the grace she’s being given.
Bumpers are so forgiving. Thank goodness.
One of us is strong, dependable and consistent, yet with a touch of suave.
Oh yeah.
We’re not great bowlers, but maybe one year one of us will even get a turkey.
Not this year, apparently. Darn that ninth frame.
After we handed over our shoes to be Lysoled, we sat down to dinner at the tiny Mexican restaurant next door. Chili pepper lights and pink foil garland gleamed above our heads as we snuggled into a small, cozy booth. We filled up on chips, some of us even being brave enough to dip the tiniest, little corner into the fiery salsa. A song came on and suddenly Gigi’s face lit up in recognition. It wasn’t long until we all were booth dancing (picture lots of finger wagging) and singing along to “Feliz Navidad.” It was then I knew this would be my favorite moment of Thanksgiving.
And unto us a new tradition was born.
I’m a big fan.
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Snapshot Sundays are my attempt to recapture Sundays as a day of rest. Feel free to participate (read more here)…or just rest.
sounds like a great tradition! me my sister and mom have made are tradition and its our 3rd year being one of the crazies and going out shopping at midnight then going out to breakfast, then lunch and then call it a day lol
Yeah, like I said, it makes me itchy. I think I have the hives now.
Love it! On Black Friday, I went hiking. I”m going to call it “Green Friday”.
Perfect.
Such a smart way to spend Black Friday and a great tradition to keep. I was at the mall yesterday to watch “The Life of Pi” and just seeing everyone around me was enough to make me decide that I actually hate holiday shopping. By the way, I recommend you to take your lovely family or just your husband to watch “The Life of Pi”, it is pretty amazing. One movie that is actually just as good as the book!
I’ve been wondering about that movie! Thank you for the suggestion!
I think this is the best Black Friday tradition I’ve heard!! Love it–I’m going to tell my husband this is what we should next year!
Although, we did do Christmas decorating together, and that was perfect–got me into the holiday spirit! Mybe we can bowl in the morning and then decorate! 
We did our decorations today. I don’t think you can go wrong either way!
Did I read that correctly? “D Money”? Oh my, Jed will be so proud.
Walking in the grace you’ve been given- now it’s my turn to be so proud. You’re awesome.
We missed you guys this weekend. Can’t wait for Thanksgiving #4! And I wrote “D-Money” because the “A” key was broken.
I love this…I can just imagine the pepper lights too:) We opted for iceskating, but next year I may suggest bowling. Cheers!
Oh and we did turkey day three times over too…so many leftovers!
Sounds like a great tradition!
What happened to the Pealightful Meal Plans? That was helpful to me when I was at a loss on how to eat meatless.
DMoney! HAHAHA! That is awesome!
Sweet tradition!
Quick question on your Spicy African Peanut Stew recipe – I’m hoping to make it tomorrow but don’t have a slow cooker, is it possible to do it in a big pot on the stove? How long and at what temperature might you recommend? And do the red lentils go in uncooked?
Thank you!
I would cook it over medium heat for about 25 minutes or so. And yes, you can put the lentils in uncooked. Good luck!
Hi! Thanks so much for your help – I made it Tuesday night and it was delicious. I used butternut squash in place of sweet potato because I had it on hand – so I put that on first with some of the veg stock to soften it up a bit and then dumped in the rest of the ingredients and simmered/stirred for ~half hour. Thanks again!
Bowling it a killer! It is not my strong suit hahahaha! I’m really glad you all had a great Thanksgiving and had awesome family time.
We have done the exact same tradition for about 13 years with anywhere from 28 to 10 people. We all need some movement after the dinner and bagel breakfast the next day.
Both of those pics of your daughters are adorable and hilarious. The cocked out hip, the hoisting of the ball – awesome. I love bowling, I need to go! It’s something we don’t do nearly enough but it’s always a great time.
Sounds like a perfect day… Thanks for sharing it with us!
P.S.
Your hair looks so great! Getting long!
How fun! My grandpa has actually had a few 300 games throughout his bowling escapades. I’m just happy if I can break three digits!
What a fun idea!!!! I tried to go to the library, but it was closed. We did, however, get our Christmas tree!!
P.S. I love bumpers!!!!!!
love the bowling new tradition. Gary and i were actually talking two nights ago about starting up some traditions, I just might have to mention to him about bowling
xoxo
I love it!! Sounds like a great idea!
What a nice new tradition and some very cute pictures of the girls. You are so right in choosing to spend your time building quality memories with your family. My dad is suddenly very sick and I regret all the years I put off snagging a quick visit or making a quick call because I was “too busy.” Life is too short – live it in the moment. You are lucky to have figured this out at your age!
Have a great rest of your week, MP! Thanks, as always, for sharing your stories, wit and grace with us!
Oh goodness, Christine. Many prayers for your dad and you. <3
Looks like a great way to spend (and not SPEND) Black Friday
I love the coordinating plaid shirts, though it looks like Gigi wasn’t too into that!
Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving!
Bahaha, DMoney.