Thursday, December 13, 2012

CAP Dining Out 2012

Yes, once again it was time for the annual Civil Air Patrol Dining Out evening.  (Ironically, Dining Out doesn't mean a restaurant.  Traditionally Dining "In", meant a social dinner just for members, and Dining "Out" includes spouses/family/special friends.)  At any rate, it's the annual formal banquet and awards ceremony, and the boys have been looking forward to this for weeks.

Oh, they're not looking forward to it because it's formal, and they get all spiffed up in their dress blues...



... no, it's because of this, the Grog Bowl.  And yes, it is a toilet.  And yes, they're making punch in it.


This... this... in my boys' eyes, is just about the most wonderful military tradition that exists.



All through dinner, while the cadets are expected to be on their absolute best behavior, they're allowed (and even encouraged) to report any etiquette infractions to "Mr. Vice" (the vice-president of the ceremony) who can order them to ceremonially drink from the Grog Bowl.

These....


... yes, these...


...honorable looking young men (and women, too) absolutely delight in accusing each other of heinous infractions upon the mess...



They're obviously conferring, plotting deeply about who they can report.



These gentlemen were among the first to pay their dues.



If the Grog Bowl begins to be depleted, they can always resort to other punishments, like being made to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,  or I'm a Little Teapot, complete with hand motions.



I'm afraid the Grasshopper boys didn't escape notice.  And their unique punishment?



They had to fly around the room, while making airplane noises, for the entertainment of the distinguished guests ;D



But they didn't mind at all.  In fact, I think they would've felt neglected had they not been accused of something.

We had a great time :D

5 comments:

Choate Family said...

What was their infraction?

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Wyatt got called up once, and then they both did and I forget which was which, but...

1. They were clapping (they're supposed to tap their spoon or fork on the table),

and

2. They were laughing before the President (the colonel) signaled his approval by laughing.

Really, though, they just accuse each other of all kinds of real and/or crazy stuff.

"He insulted the honor of mothers, everywhere, by..."

"He didn't rise when a lady at the table did."

"He didn't sing all the words to the national anthem."

or, a perennial favorite

"His tie is at an obvious list."

It's all part of the fun.

The Hibbard Family said...

That's hilarious! I especially enjoyed the list of infractions!

dlefler said...

I love it. What a great way for the cadets to bond. The CAP program is so great for young men and women.

You have had a busy year! I have to type out my Christmas letter - I have been procrastinating.

Matthew saw the pictures of the Great Wolf Lodge and immediately requested a trip. I told him there is one in Sandusky, so maybe we'll make a trip to Ohio later this year!

The dB family said...

Lol! Your photos are priceless!! What a fantastic evening.

Blessings!
Deborah