My Oh my … I cannot believe it is has been this long since I sat down and wrote a blog post.  Life has been GOOD but time just seems to be flying by.  My camera and phone seem to be filled with pictures but I have not had time to sitting down to edit or organize them much less blog about them.  The hustle and bustle of the last few months have been so memorable and rewarding.

1. We attended the Chief’s Ball

Allyn is a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy.  In September we attended that Khaki Ball with is semi-formal dinner for the Navy Chiefs.  The Chiefs wear their khaki uniforms and it is semi-formal for the unlisted spouses and significant others.  At the Khaki Ball Chief who just made the rank are welcomed to the mess.  There is also lots of socializing, dancing and fun!!!  For me it was a good introduction of what type of community and family the Navy and the Chief’s Mess is.

2.  We went to the Navy Ball … and Allyn proposed…

October 11 we attended the Navy Ball for Allyn’s command.   It was at the Oak Hill Country Club – lovely location!!! Different from the Chief’s Ball the Navy Ball includes people from all ranks and since he is at a joint command, people from other branches military are invited.

Allyn seems a little “nervous” that night … kind of like he was hiding something or that he was nervous about something.  After dinner and speeches the toasts started.  During the toast section of Ball, Allyn made the final proposal and it was one of marriage.  Allyn asked me if I would embark on a new adventure with him … if I would marry him.  Allyn got down on knee … I was in total shock.  All of his military buddies were in on it and could not have been more supportive and excited for us.  I am a hard person to surprise and Allyn pulled it off.  I still do not really know how it came up with the idea and how he pulled it off but for one night, I felt like a princess.  I think I spent half the evening in shock.  For me it was like a fairy tale ending or beginning!!!

3.  We started planning our wedding

After the reality of “we are engaged” set in we started talking about where, when and how we wanted to get married.  We decided that we wanted to get married at the same time Allyn retired from the Navy – January 31, 2014.  We also both wanted a small ceremony and reception with just our close family and friends.  The end result was…

Tower of the Americas

February 1, 2014

4.  Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky

At the beginning of November, we head up North to Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky.  Allyn was exploring a post retirement job opportunity with the website he works for.  We were also able to have some fun with friends and explore the area.

5.  The Rock n Roll – San Antonio Half Marathon

Just a week after returning from our trip I laced up my running shoes and ran in the Rock n Roll Half Marathon.  I completed the race in around 3 hours…  I think what I was most proud of is that I never stopped and I was always moving.  Another proud moment was crossing the finish line running!!!  I can’t wait to do another half marathon!!!