242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball

This weekend, Ben and I attended our FOURTH Marine Ball together - where does the time go?! 2017 marked 242 years of tradition, honor, and kickin' ass for the USMC. I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to celebrate this birthday with our country's finest fighting force for the past four years and hopefully will for many more.

​From dressing up like a princess, Ben wearing his formal uniform (those dress blues, though *heart eyes*), mingling with the Marines/sailors/spouses, watching the impressive ceremony, getting choked up by the emotional guest of honor's speech, having maybe one too many drinks (and slices of cake) and of course, dancing the night away - every part of the Marine Corps' Ball is special and I always look forward to attending it. Plus, it's pretty much like a prom for adults so who wouldn't want to go?!
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​Since Ben works for 3rd Medical Battalion, which is a mix of Navy medical personnel and Marines, we also get the unique privilege of honoring the nurses, doctors, naval administrators, and corpsmen who serve our country as well. Maybe I'm a sap, but the combined celebration always leaves me feeling incredibly patriotic and thankful for all of the men and women who selflessly serve our country. Not to mention, it's kind of impossible to be a milso (military significant other) and not feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for our military.

​Also, I really hate selfies but I finally got my makeup done this year and it was ​so so SO worth it. The selfie below seemed just a bit justified... Having a professional do my makeup alleviated all of the annoyance/stress of doing it myself which made the night so much more enjoyable. I'm also seriously lacking when it comes makeup skills and products so it was worth every penny. **Makeup done by Jessica Ochoa**

Our 4th ball together and I still can't stop bragging about my handsome date!

A bit burry, but I love the color guard

We fortunately had great seats to view the ceremony

Our friend Vince participated in the sword drill and read the Birthday Ball Address (what Ben got to do last year) and did a fantastic job!!!

The guest of honor and the battalion CO (Commanding Officer)

This year, the cake was cut with Ben's sword

Ben's shop. A special shoutout to Gunny Arroyo who drove us home again this year!

Happy birthday, Marines!