The Night We Got Away

Mr A and I recently had our tenth year of marriage in mid March.  I can't believe we have been married for a decade now!  Since his work was having an Army Ball the weekend after our anniversary, we decided to use that as our opportunity to celebrate.  And fortunately for us, my mom was planning a trip to come down and see us in March, so she was able to arrange her visit around the ball to be our babysitter (who wouldn't want a whole night with their grandsons?!). 

Most military couples married ten years have attended many balls.  However, for us, it was our first.  Mr A has gone to a handful of "dining ins" (only for the service member, no spouses allowed), but mostly because they were mandatory.  Over the past year I have started asking about any upcoming balls and showing more of an interest.  He got the hint.

The ball was held in the Presidential Ballroom at Nashville's Opryland Hotel.  Now we have lived by some pretty awesome cities and we have always said, "Before we move we need to stay at a nice hotel by River Street (in Savannah, GA) or by the beach (in Honolulu, HI)."  Well, we never did.  Since there was also a discounted rate to stay at the Opryland Hotel because of the ball, we snatched up that 50% offer!  And even splurged the extra thirty bucks to get a room with a view.  Best decision ever!

My mom took some pictures of us in our best.   We hadn't been this dolled up since our wedding day, how fitting. 

Of course, B didn't cooperate.  Toddlers!

After bidding adieu to the lovelies (and changing out of our best) we drove the 40 miles to Nashville.  We checked into our room and took in our new surroundings (a girl could really get use to that place!). 



 An hour later we trekked our way to the ballroom for the social hour.  We decided to get our picture taken, just like prom, ha!  Following the awkward posing, we chucked out $18 for 2 cocktails, wandered around the room pretending being dressed up was as casual to us as wearing shorts and flip & flops, and checked the seating chart.  An instrument was played and we were summoned into The Receiving Line, dun, dun, dun.  Good thing we read all about ball etiquette a few nights prior, we shook those hands like we were pros!  (It was the Commander and Command Sergeant Major with their spouses). 

We stood by our assigned seating at table 23, patiently waiting for everyone to get in the room.  That's when the traditions began.  It was commenced by the placing of the Colors (national and unit flags) and playing of the National Anthem. We recited a toast.  The gentlemen pulled the chairs out for the ladies, oh how 1950s! I do like.  And the table placement for the fallen and missing soldiers took place.  Took me everything to keep the tears back.  A brief introduction and dinner was served. 

Mr A and I may or may not have had a few comments about the presentation of the dessert.  You can use your imagination. 

Speeches were given, there was an intermission, an award ceremony happened, and then time for the retiring of the colors.  After that the party started.  I only had to drag Mr A out to the dance floor once, after that he was a non stop dancing machine!  (The alcohol started to kick in for him)  He graced the audience and fellow dancers with not only the splits about 50 times, but also serenading everyone within a 5 ft radius during the slow songs and breaking out the air guitar at the end of the evening.  Lucky for me, my husband was not the only goofball out there; there were about 6 more.  A good time was had by all.

 Tomorrow I will post more pictures of our stay at that beautiful hotel.