MARINE CORPS BALL

We got a room at the hotel where the Ball was and took the four younger boys with us to stay in the room.
We did not get a picture of the two of us dressed but we did get this special shot. We only stayed downstairs long enough for the ceremony and dinner then we got changed and took our guys to Walmart for The Hulk movie, ice cream and snacks.

We took our snacks back to the hotel and watched The Hulk.

Caleb didn't last too long! He is one crazy little sleeper.

Nick had this grand idea to stay up all night and watch the sunrise. He made it til between 3 and 4am. I promised him that I would set the alarm and wake him for the sunrise. I woke them at 6:45am and they got up looked outside and decided they did not care enough to wait 10 more minutes so they went back to bed. Needless to say I watched the sun come up alone! I also saw a group of dolphins swimming just off shore. It was wonderful and peaceful! We spent the entire night with the balcony door open to listen to the ocean as we slept. So the Ball was not that great but the time with my guys was awesome!

Somehow Nick and Zach weaseled Daddy out of the bed. He said he has slept on the desert ground so a floor was no big deal!

This picture will be kept for future use!

Aren't they sweet all snuggled up together!

MARINE CORPS BALL

Last night was the 232nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball and Mom and Dad's first. We all had a nice time and Jim was excited that they could be part of this tradition since the Marine Corps is such a big part of our lives.
What a handsome couple.
I decided to wear the same dress as last year since Mom picked it out for me during a visit a couple years ago and never got to see me wear it. I am very much like my mother and love spending time with her so we have tons of fun together.

My parents adore my husband and are very proud of him and he loves that they love him as if he were their son. We both appreciate that they go out of their way to visit several times a year to be part of our lives. My children only have contact with my parents so their love for them means so much. We adore our children so it is wonderful to have parents that adore them as well. They went out of their way to change the date of their visit to be here for me which also meant alot. We had an awesome week visiting with them and received good news as well.

OUR MARINE CORPS BALL

We celebrated the Marine Corps 231st birthday last night in Wilmington. We took Marty this year and all had a blast!

Me and my Honey. Thanks for such an awesome night Baby!
YAMWW HHB!

Jim and I with Col. Lewis, the Commanding Officer for Camp Johnson. He is always smiling and always greets me with a hug. We have definitely been blessed to have him at Camp Johnson.

Janine and Rick. She is a First Sergeant and he is a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Janine was in charge of planning the ball and she was running around like a nut when we got there. It was funny to see her fussing at these Marines like I do with my boys she had Gunnys running for cover. The Ball turned out great though. Great job Janine! Hey where's my large crystal?

Rick drunk out of his mind already! Gotcha! LOL

Lechelle and Matteo. Ok, she is from Trinidad and he is from Italy. They are the proud parents of my Trinitalian beautiful brown skinned little man Sergio. Matteo drives an Alfa Romeo and has been kind enough to bring it to our house to take Nick and Zach for a drive. It is one sweet car! Now she gives me a hard time for having pics of the baby on here but none of her. However, every time that I tried to get a pic of her she would not have makeup on or the lighting was wrong or perhaps it was the wrong cycle of the moon. The irony here is that she is gorgeous all of the time but always worries about how she looks. Listen Mon get a grip girl! We should all be so lucky. If I was that pretty I would make people take my picture all the time!

Carla and her daughter Sara. Very pretty!

Myshalee and Kenyata

Col. and Mrs. Cordero. They are the kind of people who are always ready to step up and help. They have given me some much needed support in fufilling my duties as Camp Johnsons Key Volunteer Coordinator. I so appreciate their kind and giving spirit!

Jaye makes me laugh all the time. She is beautiful and funny Col. Gabri is a lucky man! Jaye and I are part of Key Volunteers together and she is one of those people that is just fun to be around.

Larry and Shelly. They are expecting a little girl in a few months. CONGRATULATIONS!

Lechelle and Matteo getting funky! I wonder how they would say that in Trinidad?

Jim and I actually danced to quite a few fast songs this year. He does not like to dance to the fast songs usually but we were having so much fun he decided to loosen up a little. The funny thing is that at home he is a complete goof and dances around the house with no worries. It was nice to see him so relaxed!

Of course, we danced every slow dance!

Lance Corporal Astorga (Yuri, sorry if it is misspelled) was teaching Marty how to dance and he had a blast. Of course, who wouldn't want a cute girl to teach them to dance. I loved seeing him have such a great time and have to give a great big thanks to Yuri for being so sweet to my boy!

How sweet!