Se animaron?

Question

"Mis padres se animaron con la visita de mis sobrinos." I don't understand why this is animarse. They aren't cheering themselves up, they're being cheered up by the visit of mis sobrinos.

Answer

Hola R,
lots of verbs can be used with reflexive pronouns. That doesn't always mean that the action is performed on yourself, like you can see more clearly with personal care verbs, for example: me ducho, se lava... 
They are simply used with the pronouns and are called pronominal verbs. Other verbs (although there are loads...) are for example:
sentirse - "Me siento mal" (I don't feel well)
sentarse- "Siéntese, por favor" (Have a seat, please)
divertirse- "¡Que te diviertas! (Have fun!)
arrepentirse - "Te arrepentirás si no aceptas el trabajo." (You will regret not accepting that job.)
Saludos
Inma