Brandon at the Wii

Brian started bowling in high school. He took a break while in college, but began bowling on a league not long after graduating. He's been bowling since I met him, almost 12 years ago. He's got the ball, the shoes, and other various bowling accoutrements. And, important as bowling has been to Brian's family, he has been great at making sure the dishes are done, or putting the kids to bed before heading out to bowling.

Then there's Brandon. He is, how shall I say it...uncoordinated. He's no Caitlin - who walks into walls and stumbles over her own two feet on cue and all the time. Still - it took Brandon way longer than it took most other boys his age to catch a ball, or even kick one. He hasn't convinced us in any way, shape, or form, that he might excel at all in sports.

Today that all changed.

Brandon and Brian play the Wii frequently. Brandon loves to play "Mario Cart", and some of the fun Wii Sports games like shooting at clay pigeons or falling cans, and racing cows. But he isn't good at it. We cheer him on when comes in last on "Mario Cart", and go nuts when he places anything other than last. Brandon has been asking to play Wii Bowling the last couple of days, after watching Grandpa, Nana and Aunt Jackie play with Daddy. So today Brian let him play.

Here's the result:

Brandon's Mii is the red one. He beat his father at his first game of Wii Bowling. He beat his own father using what came to be labeled as the "Flamingo Dance". He balances on one leg and flails his arms. It's reminiscent of the Crane Kick pose Ralph Macchio used in "The Karate Kid". Look at how coordinated, how graceful he looks. Look - can't you see it??? I can't!! All 5 of us adults were cheering him on - encouraging this funny move. And it worked! Brandon not only won his first game, but got even more points during his second game (which he did not win, but beat his previously high score).

Talk about hard to get to bed. After a fun day up in Estes Park, no naps, dessert, and 5 adults cheering his every move during Wii Bowling, Brandon was hyper and loud prior to getting into bed. We haven't heard from him, so I'm hoping that he's asleep. And I'm hoping he doesn't just want to play Wii all day tomorrow!