Having A Ball

One of the best parts about military life is the occasion of an Army Ball. It’s a reason to dress up fancy – to me, the word “Ball” alone invokes thoughts of princesses and Cinderella – and is an event steeped in tradition. In our informal world, I like holding on to traditions that have meaning and purpose. Plus, I love watching otherwise reserved and serious guys turn into silly and playful boys. And by silly, I mean, drunk. In some cases, very, very drunk. But it’s all in good fun -- and, don't worry, there were many precautions in place to prevent anyone who shouldn’t be from driving 

Bill, Ginger and the Bruiser Badass (background)

Speaking of drunk, this was the first time I’d seen a Grog ceremony. All the troops pitch in different alcohol to represent different American wars and conflicts. Bill’s troop contributed tequila to represent the Mexican American War. The presentation was hilarious, but yet, symbolic, and the best part was watching the guys rush the bowl at the end to chug the grog. I tasted it and it wasn’t too bad, actually. 

And, of course, Bill couldn’t pass up the chance to rib his leadership. He even went so far as to toast and then challenge the brigade commander (his boss’s boss) to a beer chugging contest. 

Did I mention that there’s also dancing?! 

By the end of the night my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. 

 

The excitement didn’t end there! Earlier this month, Santa wrote the kids a note explaining that, since we’d be in California for Christmas, he wanted to deliver our presents early. It would give him chance to take the reindeers on a test run before the big night. The kids were over-the-moon excited. This basically meant two Christmases for them. I do believe our “cup runneth over.”