First Things First Department: The United States is celebrating Thanksgiving Day on the day this post is published. Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate giving thanks for the gifts in our lives.

This week, Ann-Christine challenges us to share some smiles. She writes, “… I was thinking, don’t we all need a smile? Let’s share something that made us smile, made You smile – and make the world smile with us! Old or new smiles, big or small, we welcome them all!” You can read her entire challenge post here.

My opening photo was taken on Roatan Island, Honduras. Gumbalimba Park is one of the island’s major attractions for cruisers, and the most entertaining location in the park is Monkey Town. The staff invites the friendly capuchin monkeys to interact with the guests—well, they aren’t actually invited; they sure interact. I had my cell phone when this little guy hopped on my arm. He took a selfie by resting his hand on my phone and pressing the shutter button.

It was our grandson Owen’s first Christmas in 2010. As Mom Carrie looks on, Uncle Josh and Aunt Nichole spend quality time with Owen.

Lifted trucks aren’t for short people, as my sister discovered.

At dinner, on a family cruise, while my sister looks on, her gentleman friend holds onto my wife’s hand so that she can’t respond with a gesture that was no doubt deserved.

I conclude my response with signs that made me smile. This sign, which I found in the gift shop of a coffee plantation in Hawaii, is one of my favorites.

The Phoenix (Arizona) Trolley Museum features exhibits that once belonged to the Phoenix Street Railway. One of the early trolley cars featured the company’s motto on this sign. When the trolley company started service in 1887, the cars were horse-drawn.

Driving through South Dakota last summer, we came upon a road that serves as the entrance to a cemetery. The road sign is ironic, for sure.

It seems this post has also come to a dead end. Thanks to Ann-Christine for allowing us to Smile a While. Last week, Tina’s post brought so many responses filled with gratitude. Next week, it’s Sofia’s turn. Her post will appear here on Saturday at noon Eastern Standard Time. Be sure to follow her so you don’t miss her challenge. If you’d like to join us with your challenge responses but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.

John Steiner

In South Dakota, we were traveling to a family reunion when we noticed this side road that led only to the entrance of a cemetery. I found the road sign ironic, and it made me smile. I had to stop and take a photo.