WHAT BRINGS A SMILE?

Since my blog last week was all about The Whine, this week I want to blog about what's making me smile.  First of all there's my son.  I know, I know, a mom bragging about her kid, but what can I say–he's bringin' the smiles.  Chris is a college junior and in the ROTC program, which means that when he graduates next May he'll be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, something that, given the state of affairs in the world, makes the DH and I both extremely proud and scared to death.  Last week was Chris's ROTC awards ceremony where he received the Reserve Officers Award–an award that honors military excellence.  Needless to say, the DH and I were beaming with pride.

 

Another thing making me smile is my neighborhood–it is SO much fun!  There's always something going on.  This past weekend we enjoyed Sports Day, an annual springtime event.  There were over 150 participants and more activities than you could do in one day, including water volleyball, tennis, pickleball, bocci, croquet, golf, volleyball, triva, billiards, horseshoes, ping pong, Wii bowling–it was amazing! 

DH Joe (2nd from right) enjoying some Sports Day downtime with the neighbors

You could sign up for as many events as you wanted, and when you weren't competing, there was plenty of food to keep you busy chewing!  I competed in pickleball and tennis, as did the DH, who also competed in ping pong where he was named Champion!  DH and I took home the tennis crown in doubles as well (thanks to DH who put on his best Roger Federer moves while I basically stood there in awe and said, "Great shot, honey!").

Me in action on the pickleball court

 

Another smile-bringer from my neighborhood was our recent Country Western party.  We had a six-piece band that was fantastic, and a bunch of us were able to put the country line dances we've been learning on display. 

Best. Boots. Ever.

I bought cowboy boots for the occasion–they're hot pink and orange, which sounds really bad, but they're really, really cool. 

The food (BBQ and ribs with all the trimmings) was delicious and a fab time was had by all.

 

Bad hombre Joe manages to smile even though he's wanted by the law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what's made you smile lately?  Or, if you're feeling grumpy, what WOULD make you smile?  Let's turn those frowns upside down!