Kumquats and such

Each morning at the beach started somewhat like this... Don't expect to eat anything around these two without sharing! We wandered down to the beach only to find terrible ocean conditions:( The first few days were all red flag "NO SWIMMING" days. We let the girls play on the beach, and they were happy with that. Luckily the weather was still decent. That evening, Geoffrey and I had a new plan. There is a dock not too far down from the sound access point, so we decided to wade out to it. By the time I got the girls down and went in search of the spot, Geoffrey was already settled. In fact, I had to use my zoom lens to find him! As I neared his location, camera bag in hand and shorts totally soaked, I took a final step before I could jump up next to him...and promptly fell into a hole, cut my foot a little, and was soaked to my chest! Luckily I had already handed off the camera bag! It was work it. No clouds, but we got this nice sailbo...

In late August, we headed down to the Outer Banks with Geoffrey, Grandma & Papa. It was a much needed trip because the summer to that point had been quite busy for Jason at OCS. We arrived early in the afternoon, and after an easy takeout dinner, Geoffrey & I went in search of the perfect sunset. The clouds in the sky were spectacular, and looking back at all the pictures, I think this was by far our best sunset. The neighbors weren't in their house yet, so Geoffrey, Savannah and I made good use of their back deck:)  The view was spectacular! Look at those clouds!

 This kid...what can I say about her that these pictures don't already tell...

Two days before Savannah's birthday, we were hanging out at Gary Mike & Terry's house and she was playing in the tupperware cabinet per the usual. She fell and got hysterical...well, that's because she landed with one hand on the edge of a large (somewhat sharp) plastic measuring cup with her poor little cheek on the other side:( She got quite the battle scar in the process! On the day before her birthday, we decided to go down to Woodbridge to celebrate with Grandma & Papa. The girls and I enjoyed some time outside before heading down.  At Grandma & Papa's, we made it easy, and Jason picked up takeout from a nearby restaurant. While he was gone, of course, I took more pictures. In the one below, you can see the wound really well. Poor Savvy! Papa and Reagan having too much fun! After we ate dinner, we went out on the deck to give Savannah her birthday cake. When Reagan turned one, I made her a special panda bear cake, so I wa...

Just before the birthday party, Savannah started really walking. I love this time. Toddlers are like tiny drunk people. Wobbly and stumbling.  One beautiful afternoon, after I picked them up from school, we spent some time just hanging out in the front yard. I couldn't resist taking some shots.  Peek-A-Boo!

The girls' birthdays are exactly one month apart (thanks to the great planning of Ft Belvoir Community Hospital!), so we decided to do a joint party. Savannah even had a few friends come over (not that she knew it!). The night before, we hosted Jason's staff for a BBQ and had a great time. The morning of the party, the kids played for a bit, got a bath, and then prepared for the big event! We were thrilled that Keith, Colleen & Max were there to celebrate with us again! Reagan sure does love Max:) We welcomed many family members & friends from all different parts of our lives...school, church, work, etc.  Pre-party, Reagan "helping" Max with the swing. Cutie! Savannah learned to fly:) They love Jessica!!! We put Uncle Keith in charge! He's got a handle on things! Looks like everyone is enjoying the joint birthday gift! What?! This isn't how it works?! On to bath time! And who doesn't love to p...