Kumquats and such

During Christmas Eve brunch...and every other time she sees him, Reagan had a wonderful time with her Great Grandpa Ted!  As Jason says, he's always been able to charm the ladies and the babies:) She is not known for her cuddliness, but after all the excitement with the family on Christmas Eve, Reagan couldn't help snuggling up on her Great Grandpa's shoulder and having a little nap.

Each year we celebrate Christmas Eve the same way. In the morning we are treated to a delicious brunch at Uncle Scott and Aunt Sheri's house. Each family brings a dish or two and by 11:30, we're all nearly comatose from eating too much. This year (as noted by Mil) was different because instead of having people spread out through the house, everyone kind of seemed to stick together in the kitchen/dining/living room areas. The reason for this was probably because everyone was lining up for their turn to hold Reagan. (We were very lucky because she decided to be an angel the entire morning and didn't fuss for anyone.) Uncle Scott takes "decorating for Christmas" to a whole new level. I mean, who actually changes the shower curtain hooks?! Curtain, sure, but the hooks? It truly makes for a spectacular venue for Christmas Eve brunch and provides the added game of trying to figure out what is new in the collection each year. This was merely the start of our Chr...

On Saturday evening, we had a small gathering at our home to celebrate Christmas with some of the Marines from 1/9.  Earlier in the week, Alexis volunteered to come over a bit early to help with any last minute setup and with Reagan.  B.R. (before Reagan), I would have said, "Nah, I've got everything under control.  Thanks for the offer though."  P.R. it's a totally different story.  I immediately took her up on the offer and as soon as they arrived, we had them do a million different things.  They were also kind enough to bring a delicious appetizer from home!   Best of all, they were so helpful with Reagan.  Both Rollin and Alexis took turns playing with her while Jason and I entertained the guests and cleaned up after the party.  We have such wonderful friends.  Thanks Rollin & Alexis! We owe you one:)

Early Saturday afternoon, Jason and I heard sirens and a loud speaker blaring throughout the neighborhood.  Just as Jason was about to call 911 and report our redneck neighbors that live behind us, he heard me shouting, "HEY!  BRING REAGAN! GET THE CAMERA!  SANTA IS HERE!!!"  As any good father would do, he picked up the baby, put her hat on (it was cold & rainy), and handed her over to Santa from our local volunteer fire station.  And as any good Asian would do, I stood back and snapped pictures.  Luckily, she's at that age where we can hand her off to anyone and she doesn't seem to mind a bit!

Since we have officially become our own little family (yeah, we were married last year, but I think the baby makes it an official family), I decided that we should get some new stockings.  I ordered these from Lands End and it seems that almost everyone who has been in our house and seen then either has the same ones or knows someone who has them.  They were very reasonably priced and I like that they are similar but not identical.  I considered getting Tommy one, but since he's on the "naughty list" after eating the footboard of the bed in the guest room and a bag of Reese's peanut butter cups, I decided he wasn't worth the $19.00.  Maybe next year Tommy, maybe.   I'm sure when Reagan reaches her teen years she's going to be upset that her stocking is a childish teddy bear, but for the now she's pretty content with the pretty colors.  

B.R. (before Reagan), I didn't know the convenience of automatic doors.  In fact, I kind of thought they were for lazy people, you know like the escalator that runs alongside the stairs at the airport.  But now P.R. (post Reagan), I fully understand why some genius invented automatic doors.  It was for people with giant-impossible-to-maneuver strollers and a handful of bags. See, not everyone is always this nice: Even at the holidays, it seems like I'm trying to work my way to the front of the stroller, open the door, and pull the contraption through while arching over it with my long arms.  I have no idea how short people do it:)  Thus, my ode to automatic doors... Now I know I raved about the Furminator awhile back, but this modern-day convenience is top in my book too!  Particularly P.R. and definitely in preparation for when I'm running around with another one.  (no this is not a subtle way of telling anyone I'm expecting again...that's a lo...

 Last weekend we took a trip to Raleigh to see Colleen & Keith, Ben & Jackie, Macy & Fisher, Tom & Jill, Lynsey, Betty & Mason, and Jessica (who was in town after a conference in Quantico).  The boys stayed outside most of the time - despite the rain - and made quite possibly the hottest fire ever.  The girls and the babies stayed inside and enjoyed a nice fire and the beautifully decorated Belward house! We indulged in ribs, sausages, collard greens, beans, and more...plus a few beers:)  It was a wonderful trip and it doesn't seem like the 4 of us (Colleen, Lynsey, Jessica and I) get together nearly enough.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend: Ben - post weekend shenanigans:) Jessica bonding with her niece Colleen loved playing with Reagan (and changed all of her diapers!) Jessica & Lynsey Colleen with her godson Mason Playing with the babies The Fabulous 4 - one of many attempts to get a decent picture Keith and Reagan ...