Marine Ball.

The Marine Corps Ball.  One of my favorite nights of the year.  And this year, it almost didn't happen.

I woke up Saturday morning feeling horrible.  I had aches and pains and gastrointestinal issues, and I was just miserable.  I decided I wouldn't be able to go.  I was too miserable. 

An hour before the taxi was coming to pick up Ben, I decided to go. 

I have to admit there were only two reasons I went:

1. I love my dress.  I LOVE my dress.

2. There was a flash mob dance at the ball, and I was in charge of the cowbell, so I HAD to go. 

Because what is a flashmob dance without a cowbell, right? 

So, here are a few pictures from our night.

Scenes from the dance. We even had the Marines join in for a bit of it. 

Seriously so fun! I am so grateful for my crazy friends!

And the best part.  I felt mostly okay for most of the ball, but the moment I got home the entire 10 bites of dinner that I ate came up with massive fury.  Then I slept ALL day on Sunday. Today, I am feeling a little better, and hopefully I will be all better soon.  

What I love.

The Marine Ball.

Getting dressed up.

Spending an evening with friends.

Eating.

Dancing.

What more could you want?

Since Ben first started this job, I have dreamed about going to the Marine Ball with him.  We didn't have Marines in Tijuana, so since we moved here, I have been anxiously awaiting for this.  Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

I was so excited to wear my new dress, which was stunning, if I do say so myself.  

The entire Embassy community and guests were dressed to impress, and they certainly did. 

There is only one thing I will change next year- I really want someone else to do my hair...doing my own was a dramatic event, that I don't want to repeat.

The dress.  Which I found in a beautiful store in Snohomish, Washington.  

(Thank you, Dana!) 

The back view.

What you can't see are my red shoes.  My ensemble was very patriotic.

The traditional Marine birthday cake, and our Marines.  

What would the Marine Ball be without the Marines?

Ben did a lovely job arranging his food.

Ben showing off his moves.

Oh yeah.

We're making sweaty sexy. :)

The last picture of the night.  

We definitely looked better before the dancing, and before 1:00 in the morning, but it was a blast. 

I can't wait until next year.