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~1~

I went to the first military ball in 13 years.  The last one was the Marine Corp Birthday Ball when Ben was attending the advanced course (Captain's course) at Quantico, VA.  Until now, I couldn't leave Brother with a babysitter.  His anxiety got the better of him and it'd take days to recover.  We've worked the last couple of years for him to be able to stay with a babysitter.  We use a lovely young lady from our parish and homeschool group.  Her mother is one of my best friends.  Pumpkin calls TheMadHatter her best friend.  It's really cute.

~2~

As most events like this go, the food was so-so.  The potatoes were too salty, the green beans over cooked and the salad was very wilted.  The beef was okay, but the chicken really did not taste good.  I made sure to sit where the chocolate cake was, but it was dry and crusty.  Yuck.  We had a good table.  The guys were very funny and reminded me of different friends of ours from Ben's Lieutenant days.  

~3~

If you've never been to a military ball, it's an experience.  They bring in the colors and it's completely silent.  The soldiers all stand at attention.  The best though is when the National Anthem is played.  It's quite a sight to watch, almost in unison, the soldiers bring their right arm up to a salute and hold it.  There's never an early end to the silence during the Anthem.  The salute stays until the last note is played.  Awesome.

And, as always, the Star Spangled Banner made me all teary-eyed.

~4~

I was stressed about the hair and the makeup, but I think I did okay.  My dear friend Danyell had given me quite the one-on-one lesson on applying it.  I think I did okay.  At least she said I did on Facebook.  I actually went out and bought some on my own.  Thank you, Danyell!

~5~

I must be getting old.  None of the music appealed to me.  At all.  And, it was too loud.  Much too loud.

~6~

The shoes went great with the dress, but the rhinestones kept snagging the dress.  It was uncomfortable.  I had to actually walk very slowly and not as stridently as I usually did.

~7~

And, now I leave you with a photo.  

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