One of my favorite things about life in base housing is how family-friendly it is. Our little community, in addition to having multiple social and support organizations for both officer and enlisted spouses, also offers at least 3 nights of fun per month for its housing residents--typically a scrapbook night plus two family nights that include dinner (all of which are free, requiring only an RSVP). While I do not attend the scrapbook nights due to Matt's schedule and the fact that I am still scrapping my five year old's first year (meaning scrapbook sessions can be a little overwhelming), we attend every family night we can.
Papa John's make, take, 'n' bake pizza night was a blast and our second fun night for September was a luau, catered by Golden Corral (Matt's favorite local restaurant--dining out options are refreshingly slim-pickings around here, which means we have enjoyed every dinner at home [or at a free base event] since moving into our new place). It was very cute and the clubhouse was well-decorated with flamingo lawn ornaments, inflatable palm trees, and cut-out posters for posing. Tropical music played in the background and there were balls and ring toss games for the kids.
The girls had a blast decking themselves out in the Hawaiian theme, and Matt and I even got in on the fun a little. Unfortunately, my face paint dolphin did not make it into any photographs. Matt seems to think making weird faces when I take snapshots of him will keep me from sharing them...however, this theory has been proven, many times, untrue. ;o)
As busy and stressful as pilot training can be, little things like this help lighten the load, get to know neighbors, and squeeze in some memorable family time every month. :o)
