Kumquats and such

We're back!!  After a month long hiatus, we've finally returned to NC and now you won't have to look at the fall tablescape any more (this is just for your Aunt Sheri!). As I've mentioned before, I think that one of the most fun things about having a baby is that you can dress them up whenever you want. We had already selected Reagan's Halloween costume before our trip, but when we arrived, Grandma and Grandpa had another one, and Aunt Jessica bought her a third! Such a generous family:) Here they are:

We are actually in VA right now, but before we left, I made some decorations and added existing ones to create a tablescape for the fall. We plan to spend November at home, so I wanted to return to an already decorated house. Moss covered rocks - $1, Ball of hemp + old beer bottles - $5 Ribbon - $2, Peat Moss - $1

And how cute are the pajamas that Jessica got for her?!

I belong to a Facebook group called Husbandless Pizza. It's a group created for those of us with deployed spouses. We try to meet twice a month, but every once in a while, a perfect opportunity presents itself for a get together. Last Sunday was one of those evenings. Great weather, pizza, beer, cupcakes and other husbandless friends! We headed out to Hospital Point (on base) and let the kiddos play on the jungle gyms and just enjoyed some good old fashioned fun. We almost declined the invite, and I'm so glad we decided to go. What a great way to spend a Sunday night! Some of my deploymates! Seriously, it was gorgeous out by the water!

Alexis hosted a baby shower for our friend Jess Turner on Saturday morning. She worked hard to make it a special event and everything was fabulous. Jess is having a girl, Savannah, and is due on the 21st of November. We all had a great time and ate way too much yummy food. Alexis' niece, Caroline, who is a week younger than Reagan, was also there and it was nice to see them interact. Here are some pictures from the shower: Handmade by Alexis - name blocks Handmade chocolate favors from one of the guests Cute party favors Cake made by the same guest who made the chocolates! Delicious spread of food Hostess and the guest of honor Beautiful Caroline One of the two games played...Jess did NOT like this one Reagan and her Aunt Alexis

Swansboro celebrates the annual Mullet Festival each October (for the fish, not the 80s hairstyle). After our 5k on Saturday morning, we headed to the festival to check it out. Unfortunately, we were crunched for time, so it was literally a quick walk through. There were probably 150+ vendors selling homemade items, food trucks, a fire prevention booth complete with fire trucks, and bands. We missed the earlier parade. I wish we had more time to browse, but it was fun anyway. Here are a few pictures from the event: Our little monkey, surveying the sites from the safety of the Bob These tents lines several streets and housed the individual vendors A band playing in the Historic Swansboro pavillion What's a festival without fried pickles and funnel cake?! Local dance school showing off their routines Tax dollars at work to outfit this anti-drug police vehicle

One of my best friends, Lynsey , is celebrating her 31st birthday today! We have seen each other through good times and bad, marriage and childbirth, and everything in between. I love you Lyns and I hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks for always being there for me. Especially during those first few months of motherhood, I don't think I would have made it through without your daily text messages and weekly phone calls. You are one in a million and I'm so lucky to not only call you my friend, but also, my sister. Picking me up from the airport A night out in Richmond Lynsey's fabulous wedding day! There for Reagan's birth!