USMC Ball

This week we celebrated at Brad's squadrons USMC Birthday Ball.  I didn't go last year because Brad was deployed, so I was looking forward getting dressed up and going this year.  I ended up deciding to get my hair and makeup done this year.  She curled my hair and the curls managed to stay in all night, this never happens when I do it.  And I did love how she did my eyes, fake eyelashes and all.  Unfortunately getting my hair and makeup done almost made me late, so when I got home I literally only had 10 minutes to pull my dress on.   My favorite thing I wore were new shoes I bought the morning of the ball.  They were gray, lacy and with a big bow on the toe and I just loved them. 

At a friends house before the ball.  Taking some silly pictures!

All the officers (Brad far right)

Me (far right) with some amazing usmc wife friends.

The whole night actually ended up being quite nice and and we had a great time!

Flight line photos

A couple weeks ago Brad and I got some photos done on the flight line to raise money for this years Marine Ball.  Molly at 48North 2East Photography did such an awesome job.  She did mini sessions for all the families and all the pictures turned out great. 

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for.  This year more than ever!  We went for a wonderful run before having an amazing Thanksgiving meal with our friends at a neighbors house this year.  This whole long weekend has been so relaxing and full of happiness.  We decorated for Christmas, read, napped and went for a walk on a chilly evening. 

Since our time here in Okinawa is coming to a close in a few months everything has suddenly become bitter sweet thinking of the things and people I will miss.  But, it's also so exciting to think about being back in FL and back closer to family and friends.  Time seems to be moving by so slowly, but I hardly mind because I love this holiday time of year!  I'm coming to the end of my time teaching out at the stable.  It's time for the new group of wonderful ladies to take over and for me to make a graceful exit.  As hard as things were sometimes the last 3 years, I think I've had a fantastic Okinawa experience.  It will be a great last couple of months here too.  I'm so fortunate to be able to stop working a bit early so I can just relax and enjoy the last little bit on this little island. While I'm thankful for my time here, I am so thankful it is coming to a close.  I'm ready for the next chapter and ready to not live on the other side of the world. 

 

So, this weekend I am feeling very blessed, surrounded by love near and far and so happy and excited about what the future holds.    

What's next

 It looks like the military is sending us back to Pensacola, FL!!  We move in March!

 Pensacola has so many happy memories for me.  It was our first move together when we got engaged, it was a tiny one bedroom apartment where we didn't mind not having our own space, it was friends and parties and lots and lots of gorgeous beach days on the Gulf.  

 

We lived in Pensacola for 9 months while Brad went to flight school.  We get to go back now for 3 years and Brad will be an instructor. 

 

It's going to be so much fun to go back to the place where we got married after 5 years.  I'm so looking forward to going to our favorite places again, eating at our favorite restaurants and going back to those amazing beaches. 

So, now we have the fun part of picking out a new place to live.  One thing I know for sure is that we won't be getting a 1 bedroom apartment this time around!