Just a few pics of us all dressed up

Friday night Bill and I enjoyed a lovely evening out for NETCOM Ball. I love the traditions of events like these from the posting of the colors to the toasts and of course, the opportunity to see Bill in his dress blues. The guest speaker at the ball was a particularly good one. A retired Sergeant Major of the Army, he was both witty and serious, engaging and thought provoking. He ended his very well-received remarks by asking us all to close our eyes and reflect on the meaning of our service and sacrifices (one of the themes of his talk was that spouses serve just as much as soldiers do) while we listened to Lonestar's "I'm Already There." I know I was not the only one in the ballroom wiping away a few tears. Despite the hardships that come along with military life, I do so love being an Army wife.


Here's a few pictures:


Jenn & Bill, NETCOM Ball 2009


I wore this dress two years ago for NETCOM Ball, but was able to have it taken in two sizes to wear it this year!


Bill and his 1st Sergeant, mocking my love for taking pictures

My hair--I'm not sure I could love my hairdresser more. Not only does she do a great job with my hair, but her daughter gave birth to her first grandchild yesterday morning and she still came into work for my appointment at 3. That's devotion to your profession. Needless to say, I tipped her very well.

All dressed up...

Friday night Bill and I were able to enjoy that unfortunately rare event known as "Date Night." The occasion: the NETCOM Signal Ball. Drew went to child care on post at the Child Development Center and, after considerable reluctance to even walk through the door and some shrieking that must have upset all the dogs within a 5 mile radius, eventually calmed down to have a good time with the other kids. He was sleeping soundly when we arrived and barely even fluttered an eye walking to the car or into the house.

The ball itself was nice with an above average meal (sometimes a rarity at the on-post banquet facility) and good company at our table and the other Charlie Company table next to ours. After the formalities, we also enjoyed Bill's battalion commander putting on quite a show on the dance floor. Here's a picture of the two of us. Nothing like a man in uniform. Fortunately since my dress was dark you can't really see where I spilled red wine down the front of it. I swear you can dress me up but you can't take me anywhere without my inner klutz shining through.