6 of 10 on What brings you joy?

I get incredible joy from surprising people in good ways and having fun.

This is my 6th post of 10 on what brings me joy. Thank you @Cynthia Harfoushe for challenging me.

I learned that my daughter, Alena, would manage a women's sporting event on my birthday in Chicago.

She worked with a company that organizes sporting events such as mud runs, skiing, and biking events.

Using the word "sporting" for a mud run is a bit of a stretch but it was definitely fun!

You don't have to be in great shape but must be a good sport to participate in.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday than to be with my kids. My son, Philip, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, so he came to join us as our official photographer.

I invited 2 other friends to join me and we met in Chicago, unbeknownst to Alena.

The night before the event, we sat in the hotel lounge and watched Alena walk by 3 times without ever noticing us.

When she finally did, she was excited we were there and told us about the event.

Then she realized I had registered!!

😱 "MOM, did you register?"

😃 'Yes, I did.'

🤔 "MOM, did you work out?"

💪🥳 Laughing...' Do I look like I worked out?' (CLEARLY NOT...)

She was impressed when the 3 of us (old ladies) took off, passed up much younger people, and finished in good time, not first but by no means last.

I get great joy looking at these pictures!

The memories are priceless.

What brings you joy?