Kumquats and such

On December 27th, the Payne family was swinging through VA en route to NJ. We were so excited to welcome them for a couple days...especially now that Gray was home from Afghanistan! In anticipation of their arrival, Jason did a ton of work and then built a great fire. Savannah sat outside with him and enjoyed the fire pit:) After sitting in miserable 95 traffic, then ditching to Route 1, they finally made it to the house! Katie got her baby fix while the big girls played. Reagan and Chloe were super focused on these dolls! Everyone loves Auntie Jessica! Gray's turn for the baby fix:) Nora was obsessed with Savannah! She didn't stop saying BABBBBY the whole time they were there. Once the kids were finally asleep - which was quite the chore since Nora wanted nothing to do with the crib and the two big girls were sharing a room - we got to enjoy some time around the fire pit with just the adults. And bonus: Cody came to hang out too!

The day after Christmas is always such a good one in my book. You get to relax, enjoy family time without the stress of wrapping anymore presents, going to anymore parties, etc. We took advantage of our day after Christmas by hanging out at the house.  That evening, Jason took over the kitchen, with Reagan helping him, and Jessica took a nap with Savannah. I think I just went around taking pictures:)  Helping Daddy make guacamole! That night, Jason made the most delicious taco salads 4 ways: vegetarian for Jessica, no olives for me, no tomatoes for Reagan, and the works for himself. This was AFTER he served us some yummy spinach dip & guacamole with homemade tortilla chips! 

Christmas Day was full of smiles, gifts, and champagne! Reagan was so excited about the toys that Santa brought for her and she was very helpful with opening Savannah's gifts for her:) Here are some pictures from our morning: Reagan even let Savannah wear some of her new bracelets! One of the biggest boxes "under" the tree was from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Lisa. Reagan LOVES her new Tommy!!! Jason got us mugs that say, "Shhhh...there's wine in here!"  After a wonderful morning opening presents, we changed out of our pjs and headed to Greensprings to eat Christmas dinner with most of the Campbell clan. As always, it was an excellent meal and it was such a pleasure to spend time with everyone.  A couple hours later, we drove back to the house with Grandma, Papa, and Geoffrey...Christmas Round 2! After opening tons of presents from the most generous family ever, Jessica entertained Reagan, Grandma held Savannah, and the guys ...

After spending the morning at Uncle Scott & Aunt Sheri's house, we did a quick drive-by in Woodbridge to pick up Daisy, and then headed home for what seemed like minutes before getting ready for the next event! Uncle Kevin, Aunt Lisa & GG know how to throw a party!  Reagan rocking her party dress that Keith & Colleen brought down to us from their nieces! Favorite hangout at GG's...the bar of course:) Uncle Kevin always reads his "Letter to Santa" in which he begs for a puppy...hilarious!

As you know, we celebrate Christmas Eve more than most people celebrate Christmas:) In the morning, the Campbell clan gets together for brunch at Uncle Scott & Aunt Sheri's house. Everyone eats too much, we open presents, and just enjoy getting to see each other. It's one of my favorite traditions I married into. For the second year in a row, we were happy to have Jessica there to share the festivities with us! Here are a few (or a LOT) pics of the morning: Uncle Geoffrey and Savannah Love their tree! Reagan and Auntie Glenna Aunt Steph was getting a pinch of those big cheeks! Kellen & Brody picked out this CRAZY gift for Reagan...she LOVED it! Hey, it wouldn't be a Campbell event without Fireball! Beautiful cousin Caitlin holding Savannah Papa & Reagan  The "outlaws" Did I marry into a good looking family or what?! Uncle Scott, Uncle Chris, Mil & Uncle Dave