Knockin' em Down

A photo-giraffe-ic pimento of the 2006 Liebherr Family Bowling Tournament . . .

The Much Coveted Trophy is all Velcro-Repaired and Up For Grabs! Will it go to the house of Harrits for an unheard of third straight year? Only Time (and, sadly, Skill) Will Tell . .

G-Ma & G-Pa, the Matriarch and Patriarch Look On As Their Clan Does Battle. Consider this fair warning; it WILL get ugly.

The Cousins (or at least 1/10th of them) prepare to battle to the death. Don't they look mean and fearsome? Be warned, this is only kinda ugly . . . wait till the going gets really tough.

Matt & Uncle Paul survey the competition, looking for the weak and infirm . . .

. . . which, despite his attempt at good bowling form, is sadly my brother Tom . . .

. . . oh, sorry Tom. I forgot, you did beat an elementary school-er by one point. You are a 'Winner!' HIGH FIVE!

Meanwhile, Mariah keeps a wary eye on the surroundings. And with good reason, for in the background lurks . . .

. . . Aunt Kaki!!!!!! Good thing Jake got the memo and wore camouflage just like everyone else and their mother this year. Things are starting to get out of hand and a might bit ugly.

Over at Team McD, it is "soda" for all. Lots of carousing and merry making, but very little bowling if you ask me. Not surprisingly, Tom jumped ship and joined the group with the new hot tub. Looks like hopes for a Harrits three-peat are sunk.

While the kids play, the serious bowlers get to work knockin the pins down. Lil' Ellie definitely has the makings of a formidable contender for the title of Ultimate Bowler. . .

. . . She must get it from her dad, Uncle Paul, this year's champion. Here he is receiving the mighty trophy from the ever elusive 'Uncle Zim,' making a covert guest appearance at this years' festivities. Shocking? Indeed! But not as shocking as Aunt Dawn's reaction . . .

. . . which was especially strong given her repeatedly saying, quite emphaticaly I might add, "That THING better not wind up in MY House."

Lo, and behold the Trophy now resides in Port Edwards until the annual battle resumes next December. I had best bet getting to the bowling alley to practice in hopes of reclaiming my family's honor in the year to come. Ah, the burden of being the eldest son. It is rough I tell ya, rough.