Military Ball and Christmas Joy

John's military ball was held in December this school year instead of January as in years past.
Once again, he invited Emily's best friend of many years, Katie.  Katie graciously agreed to be John's date for the evening.

 I think the Christmas tree made a great backdrop for pictures. 

Emily jumped in for  picture with her best friend.

These girls have been friends (and neighbors) since they were in diapers.

It's been such a joy watching them grow up together.

John received this in recognition of four years in JROTC.

I was surprised and pleased.  He's pretty proud of what he's accomplished in four years.

I think he has reason to be proud.

And in case you wanted to know.....(though you probably don't).......

The Christmas tree is long gone from our living room,

but the memory of the tree lives on.

 

The cats love lying under our tree each year.  

The problems arise when the cats get up and wander around the house.

Thanks to their long fur coats, 

they spread Christmas joy in the form of  needles all through the house.  

I will spend the next three months finding random needles scattered on the floors by my tree loving cats.