Kumquats and such

For the second year in a row, we were delighted to welcome Cindi, Rick, Geoffrey and Daisy to Jacksonville to celebrate Thanksgiving!  They piled into the van at 1:15 on Thursday morning to arrive in time help cook a feast and of course, to play with Reagan.   FIL & Reagan doing "tummy time" Geoffrey & Reagan continuing "tummy time" - she actually looks small in this pic:)  Thanksgiving table/buffet decor - MIL sent that gorgeous centerpiece from ProFlowers! Pre-dinner activity - enjoying a gorgeous day! FIL hardly put her down all weekend! MIL in her Turkey Day attire  Testing out the action mode and continuous shooting on the new camera I didn't photograph everything we ate, but I tried to get a few pictures.  Here's the menu: Oven roasted turkey, grilled Cajun Turducken, garlic-herb sautéed green beans, au-gratin brussel sprouts, bacon/cheese/chive biscuits, and potato stuffing!   Cajun Turducken breast - Turkey, duck, chicken and sausa...

When we were growing up, my mom did a ton of cooking...mostly Italian, but also tried her hand at exotic cuisines on occasion.  In particular, she prepared a Peking duck once a year for as long as I can remember. Naturally, I figured, if she could do it, perhaps (like the whole "green thumb dad" concept), I may also be able to do so. Jason LOVES duck.  As soon as we saw it in the aisles of Harris Teeter in Wilmington, he had to buy it.  He asked me to make a Peking duck for him and after much cajoling, I finally agreed.  As he placed the duck into the cart he says, "This will either be a phenomenal success, or an epic failure."  Now if that doesn't inspire trust and confidence... On Tuesday evening, after much internet searching, I began my Peking duck project.  First things first, I hung the duck (using a vent in the ceiling, some kitchen twine, and two hangers - just call me MacGyver) for 10+ hours to dry it out.  You might think this would be an...

As you know, Jason and I love to cook.  So one of the first (and only) things we really wanted to upgrade in our house was the countertop.  After a couple trips to Lowe's and several visits by installers and plumbers, our new Verde Butterfly granite countertops were in!  They truly change the entire look of the kitchen and we couldn't be happier.  And the bonus is that cooking is now even more fun! Prepping the kitchen for the workers to tear out the old countertops. Almost time... Installation begins Jason "supervising" Sayonara old tops and sink! Mid-installation - the guys who did the job were true professionals! Mid-installation Drilling holes for the faucet Drilling holes for the faucet to go with our new under-mount sink New faucet - (soap dispenser not pictured) Final Result Final Result Final Result We love the way the countertops and appliances look together and were thrilled with the results.  

...sleeping with the stuffed Frankenstein Grandma sent Reagan for Halloween!  Cute pink bunny, who needs it?  Happy little frog, doesn't stand a chance.  But give the girl something that makes spooky noises and has sewn in stitches, and she's a happy girl! Thanks Grandma!!!  Can't wait to see you on Thursday!  And by the way...Reagan is officially 4 months old today!  We're celebrating with shots:(

On November 18th, Grandma Isabel and Grandpa Ted celebrated their 60h Anniversary! They have set a wonderful example for their children, grandchildren, and now for their great granddaughter!  We love you both very much and hope you enjoyed your celebration. Taken in 1957 - Grandpa, Cindi (MIL), Scott, and Grandma Reagan with her Great Grandparents!

On Saturday morning, Jason got up early and went to work for a couple hours.  When he returned home, we piled into the car with Tommy and Reagan and took off for North Top Sail Beach.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous and Tommy enjoyed free reign of the beach as there are no "leash laws" after Memorial Day.   Jason was our photographer! Reagan loves facing out in her Baby Bjorn carrier. After our short outing to the beach, we returned home and did some things around the house.  Namely, Jason chopped up a chicken using his new meat cleaver and worked diligently at making chicken stock, and I began preparations for MIL/FIL/BIL's arrival on Thursday (i.e. washing sheets, dusting, etc.).  All in all, we were quite productive.  As the afternoon approached, we sat outside and enjoyed the unusually warm November day.  Reagan even joined us for a bit: Our neighbors were outside and we chatted with them for a bit.  (Side note: a few houses have s...