Marine Ball 2014

Last month, we celebrated the 239th birthday of the U.S. Marines at the Marine Ball, only the second held in Guangzhou (when we opened our New Consulate Compound last year, a Marine Security Guard detachment was assigned to Guangzhou for the first time). My husband was in the Marine Reserves, so this is a special occasion for us.

It was a very elegant affair, held at the Four Seasons Hotel. 

The dress was a source of drama for us ladies. Many friends had dresses made by tailors at the fabric market, but I didn't know how to navigate that whole process yet, so I just decided to order online. However, the dress I fell in love with was sold out of the smallest size, so I ordered a larger size and then worried for 3 weeks that it wouldn't fit. It didn't, but the tailor who made Daniel's tuxedo was able to alter it. I didn't love it, but it was good enough. 

We had a lovely time!

Thank you, Marines, for keeping us all safe!

Halloween in China

We've been very busy lately! But I figure I'd better get these Halloween pics up before the next holiday arrives!

We had a packed Halloween, with a Consulate party, a party at our apartment complex, and trick or treating in between! The Americans in our complex organized trick or treating at our different apartments and it felt like we were right at home.

Using a tip I learned from a photography class I took this year, I held a little Halloween photo shoot a few days before the holiday. I'm so glad I did, because that night is always so hectic.

And so I present, our Jedi and Spidergirl!

Why are they battling? They are both good guys. 

In case you are wondering, I was Mittens the cat from the movie "Bolt," and Daddy was a shark.

Here's my family at the Consulate party. 

At the apartment complex party, they handed out pumpkins and people were expected to get to work carving. It was a little funny, because most of the Chinese guests didn't know how to carve them. I only managed to do one, because they were pretty hard. But it was nice to be there. 

All in all, a great Halloween. But I have to confess, I missed the trunk or treat...