Marine Ball

Arriving at the ball

Months ago we found out about the Marine Ball and the open invitation to American citizens in the area.  Tickets were pricey - $75 each - but it's used as a fundraiser for the Marine Corps (fundraising for what, I don't know, but whatever).  We recruited some other teachers from ASA to go with us - two of our Ciudad del Este daughters - and headed out to the edge of town to party the night away.  

Our "children" Patricia and Katie

The evening opened with a cocktail hour - of which we missed 55 minutes due to slow service at the salon and one of the girls having to be at school for the re-scheduled Halloween event.  But we made it just in time for the hour long ceremony celebrating the marines and their 237th birthday.

Watching the ceremony

The Ambassador to Paraguay spoke, as did two other marines. One of whom called our attention to a lone place setting in the back of the room, complete with sword, hat, purple heart, and blank name badge in honor of all the marines who have lost their lives, both in combat and otherwise. Then there was a commemorative video shown honoring the corps and their legacy of service.

Awww...

The final ritual of the evening was the cutting of the birthday cake.  The first slice was given to the guest of honor - this year being the Ambassador.  The second slice was given to the oldest member of the marines. After taking a bite, he passed the slice to the youngest member of the marines to symbolize the passing on of the traditions of the marine corps.

All the kids

Once the formalities were complete, it was dinner and dancing for the rest of the evening. Our table was situated in the back (do they know Brandon, or what?) right next to the OFFICIAL kids table.  This year was the first year they allowed children (over a certain age...maybe 9?) to come so that they could honor their parents and experience this part of embassy life.  Brandon, of course, tried to steal fries from the students, and they returned the favor by offering him half-eaten, coke-dipped french fries. Oh to be 10 again.

The dinner was delicious, and I was SO grateful to have chosen the safe chicken meal instead of the beef. Brandon's steak was practically moo-ing.  The dessert, though, was iffy at best and the girls and I kept trying to get up enough courage to slice ourselves some of the birthday cake instead. But alas, we didn't.  Another night with no dessert.

Honorary place setting

The music started blasting after the plates were cleared and we literally danced until 2 A.M. when the banquet hall had to shut down (we had the option to stay longer, but we would have had to pay an extra $50 EACH . . . we weren't having THAT much fun).

So tempting...

But you want to know MY highlight of the Marine Ball? Going to the salon and getting my hair and makeup done! Not that the evening wasn't fun in and of itself, but it was the first time I was pampered like that.  Even when Brandon and I got married, my sister did my hair and makeup while we sat in the floor of my bedroom in my parents house.  So to sit (kid free) in a salon, having someone else wash, dry, curl and style my hair; do my makeup and put on fake lashes...it was glorious!

Mostly the "kid free" part.