we had a ball

Last night was the Holiday Ball for the Naval War College.  And what a ball we had!  It was held at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport.   Even though we've been here for a while, this was the first of the mansions here that I have seen up close, and yes, I was impressed.  The Rosecliff is grand in every way.  Several movies have been filmed here, such as The Great Gatsby, True Lies, and 27 Dresses.  It was the perfect backdrop for a Christmas ball, and we felt like we were living large.  It's not every day that we get to dress up and go out.  Honestly, we don't even get out to McDonald's by ourselves very often, so a ball at a mansion?  Wow.

Ken's parents graciously came out for the weekend and planned their visit around being able to babysit for us to go to the ball.  As Ken jokingly said, we flew in the professionals.  They entertained the kids and had fun with them.  Before we left, they snapped a few pictures of us all dressed up in our Christmas best.  Thankfully, my sister got married in December 3 years ago so my bridesmaid's dress was perfect for the occasion.  Thanks, Kim.... a dress I really did use again!

Once we arrived, we walked through the mansion with it's grand staircase and ornate architecture.  We socialized and had lots of yummy food.  We were treated to all the seafood dishes that New England is famous for... lobster bisque and pan seared scallops, crab cakes and grilled shrimp, and lots of other tasty things that I couldn't quite describe.  Had it been at all appropriate, I'm sure I would have just followed the servers around, nibbling off their little silver trays.   Of course we had to have a dessert as well, of cheesecake and tiramisu and Bailey's coffee. 

They had a wonderful big brass band, and we danced the night away.  The live music was of course paired with an open bar and some people had way too much fun.  We weren't in this group, but we were as quite giddy with our night of freedom and had as good of a time as any of them, kicking up our heels. 

Sometime just before midnight, we finally called it a night and came home.   We were greeted with a house full of wonderfully contented, sleeping children.  It really just doesn't get any better than that.

As glamorous and fun as the whole night was, the best part... by far... was getting an evening out with my best friend.  I love this man so much.  In the busyness of day to day life, we don't always make time to just have fun together.  Last night we got to do that.  We laughed and talked and danced and played.  And felt like we were dating again.  Last night was wonderfully romantic.  And because I got to be with my man, we really did have a ball.