Kumquats and such

When we visited Jessica and Sean awhile back, Jessica went a little crazy at the Carter's outlet! She picked up these super cute Christmas pjs for Reagan. Thanks Jessica!!  You're the best aunt ever! Someone wasn't too thrilled about the doggie kiss:)

Since Reagan has turned 15 months, I have found that it's easier to keep her entertained when she has friends over. Luckily, there's no shortage of kiddos in Jacksonville! My friend, Katie, brought her daughter, Chloe, over the other day while she went to a doctor's appointment. Chloe is just one month older than Reagan and they had so much fun playing together. Plus, Chloe is a little chatterbox, and I think the more time Reagan spends around children who talk, the sooner she may start babbling away:) It's such a joy to see them running around together and learning how to share (I think we have a few more years of not sharing ahead of us though!). I didn't get many pictures, but here are two from the other day: Beautiful red-head! The girls putting their "baby" in the swing! How cute!

The other day, Maureen and Sean invited us to the beach. We jumped at the opportunity and met them down in Surf City. The kiddos absolutely had a blast, and it was everything we could do to keep Sean out of the water!  Here are some pictures of our adventure: Someday I want to try this... Reagan was totally tickled by something Maureen was doing:) "Hey, quit worrying about the shells and pucker up!" What a cutie! This is so much fun!! The plans for the arranged marriage have begun:) Sean straight tackled Reagan. Hilarious. How beautiful is this?!

On Sunday, December 4th, we met up with the Donlon Family for a trip to the Christmas tree farm in hopes of cutting down our own tree. Brian looked up a couple places online and selected Moore's Tree Farm in New Bern, NC. It was "a holiday adventure" alright as we drove up and discovered that Fraser Firs do not grow in this area:( Apparently, they only have these trees which do NOT suffice: Hard to tell from the picture, but there weren't really any pine needles on these trees. Where on earth do you hang ornaments?! Slightly disappointed, but not deterred, Brian attempted to use our smart phones to find a better lot. Apparently none exist in Eastern NC. A disappointed Brian attempting to locate a "real" tree farm. Luckily, the kids had fun and the farm offered "imported" Fraser Firs which we happily selected.  Much better looking! Cutest reindeer EVER! Reagan with her bf's hat & selecting her tree At least we had a fun tractor r...

On Saturday, December 3rd, Colleen and Max came to spend the night in Jacksonville! We were so happy to have company and it was wonderful to see them both. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we spent a lot of time outside. Max has gotten so big and is doing great sitting up and playing with all his toys. He's got the cutest laugh I've ever heard and he's so much fun these days. Colleen is looking great and definitely kicking butt being a working mom and still breastfeeding! If you've seen Up All Night, I'm quite certain they based this show on Colleen, Keith, and Max. They really have figured out how to make life work. And they have fun doing it! After playtime, we took the kids in and Reagan went down for her nap. Max drank his bottle and then napped in Colleen's arms for a couple hours (it's always difficult trying to get babies to nap in a new place, Max was a champ!). That evening, Brian and Maureen dropped off Sean Patrick while they attended...

On Thanksgiving Day, we were invited to celebrate with our good friends down in Holly Ridge. Before heading south, Reagan and I met up with some Stroller Warriors on base for a true Turkey Day run. Brian, Maureen & Sean Patrick Donlon were excellent hosts and prepared a delicious meal for all of us. Maureen's parents were in town and one of Brian's co-workers and his family also came. Since the weather was absolutely gorgeous, and because the deep-frying turkey smelled amazing, we spent most of the pre-dinner time outside. When we went inside, we found this: Someone needs to tell Sean that you're supposed to nap AFTER the turkey:) There was plenty of cheese and crackers to snack on as well as some tasty stuffed mushrooms prepared by Maureen's dad (who was also the supervisor of all turkey frying operations). Maureen and her mom were busy in the kitchen, but I stole the hostess away to take one quick picture with her friend Sarah: Grandma (Maureen's mom)...

After our crazy experience with the broken down car in Emporia, Grandpa came to our rescue and returned us to Woodbridge. (For any readers who don't already know, we made it nearly halfway home when the Subaru started lurching uncontrollably and I pulled over. We had a couple cops come to help and call a tow for us. After spending 5 hours at the mechanic shop, we were told that the catalytic converters needed to be replace to the tune of $3200! So with that news, I plopped Reagan in the stroller and went for a jog to clear my head. The kind gentleman at the shop took us to a local Applebee's for dinner and to wait on Grandpa to pick us up.) During our return trip, we were lucky enough to be treated to a second dinner at Great Grandma's house! After a trip to the grocery store, lunch, and lots of playtime, Reagan just couldn't stay awake any longer. She promptly passed out in Uncle Kevin's arms. Luckily she was exhausted enough that we were able to easily transfer ...