The Worlds Greatest Birthday Party

November is a particularly busy month. Yes, you have Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving... however, for the Marines, there is nothing more potent than the birth of their Corps. The United States Marine Corps Birthday.

The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated all over the world by Marines in many different ways (almost all including a slice of cake - what could be better?) and recognizing the Service that they are a part of and its intense history.

Another way to celebrate is with the fancy Marine Corps Birthday Ball. A formal event where pomp and circumstance is in high regard. Complete with ceremony, cake, guest of honor and words from the Commandant and SgtMaj of the Marine Corps. A night out to celebrate with your comrades at arms (and their great spouses).

This year we had the honor of taking Joe and Ruth (aka Dad and Ruth) with us to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Officer's Ball. Below are some of the nice shots we took over the course of the evening.

Brad with his Dad and his CO Colonel Ted Banta

A cute family shot (we were going to get professional photos done,but the photographer wasn't there, so we all started taking our own)

My friend Kristal and I (karate and school mom, I don't think we have ever been at a function dressed up and without a kid attached).

The S-3 nice people - Brad's office...

Carrie (aka The Chaplain's Wife) and I

Mary and Sean (aka the XO and his wife)

Ted and Molly (aka the CO and his wife)

General Fox with Joe and Ruth

General Fox with Joe and Brad

The hazy jet-lagged couple that made it through the evening with smiles on their faces.

Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fidelis.