So, here's the story of Bocci (also, Bocce) ball. In my life, at least. For a more global story, try this.
9 1/2 years ago I was in Spain on a study abroad. While there I would go to the park and watch people. There were always (yes, always) at least one group of old men standing around in sand pits doing something with these little silver balls. I never knew what was going on.
Fast forward to the year 2003 (I think). I was on my mission but my family went to a Boone Reunion and learned to play Bocci ball. I came home from my mission and watched them play. Eventually (I don't remember when the connection came) I realized that what they were playing, with colored balls, was the same thing I'd seen in Spain. But I still didn't learn.
In fact, time came and went. So did a few more Boone Reunions and other such occasions. Still I hadn't learned. Finally, this summer, I decided it was time.
I'd wanted to learn for awhile, but the real decision came when I found out that I could get a free set of Bocci balls with my Westlaw points (which is a whole other story--I'll tell you later if you want to know). I couldn't get much else, since I didn't do a lot of Westlaw, so I figured I might as well get that and learn to play it. Now that my academic career was over and I was trying to learn to do social things, anyway.
So, a few weeks ago I ordered the balls and then a few days later I got them. Beautiful balls.
I set a date with Benson to have him teach me during Thanksgiving. And we did it!
On Wednesday, Benson and I went out and he showed me how. Easy and very fun. A little later Mother came out and we persuaded her to join us. A little later Father came out. He was not so easily persuaded, but when we put the balls in his hands, he couldn't resist. The four of us tromped all over the yard (on a very, very gorgeous day) and had a great time. I even won a couple of rounds. It was super fun. I couldn't wait to play again!
Here they are (Beson is measuring a close round):
Next day, Thanksgiving, several guests came to dinner at my parents--Elder and Sister Butler, the older couple missionaries; Mr. & Mrs. Adcock, the neighbors down the road (the school superintendent and h.s. guidance counselor, respectively) and their 10 year old son, Kirby; and Sean, a 15? year-old member of the branch/student of Father's. After dinner we (we being Benson and I) decided Bocci was a perfect post-Thanksgiving dinner activity. Not too active, but active enough to get the body working and ready for pie. [must remember to write about pecan pie]
So, we convinced everyone to come out and play. And everyone played! We did teams--but 10 people is still a little much. But it was hilarious to watch everyone. I forgot to get a picture, lastima. However, I would say my #4 goal was a smashing success!
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