United States Marine Corps 2012 birthday ball.

On the Tuesday following Evelyn's second birthday, Dan got his dress blues ready, and I pulled my dress from the dry cleaning sheath. My friend, Amber, came to do my make-up. I managed to do a little something with my hair. We left Evelyn in the care of Jess, and took off to my first ever birthday ball.

I was awed by the ceremony and tradition behind the birthday ball. I may or may not have cried a little bit, especially while listening to the message from the Commandant to all of his Marines. The food was phenomenal -- I had the vegetarian dish. It was ravioli with spinach and ricotta, I think. It was delicious. I barely had room for a sliver of birthday cake afterward.

We had great company at our table, and I knew a few other wives there. We left early, almost as soon as the dancing starting, since neither of us dance. It was a privilege to be able to go, and I cannot wait to go again.

Dan looked so handsome in his dress blues, and I was proud to be with him at the ball. The past two years out here he has either gone by himself (2010 - the ball was on a Thursday or Friday, and my due date was that Sunday), or we chose not to go (2011). It was nice to spend time as a couple, and it was fun to watch the Marines celebrate their birthday ball.