More of Reagan's rampage at Chirstmas

Reagan kept herself occupied by emptying both Grandmas' cupboards, continuously. She also has found a new love of chairs and thinks their not just for sitting.

The picture of the 3 cute little girls are Reagan with her two cousins, Georgia Bea (6mo) and Selene (2 yrs in March).

Last, what else is one to do after all that activity but crash and burn...

Reagan learns how to open presents

It didn't take long for Reagan to figure out the gift opening. She was amazed by the tearing of paper and all the boxes as expected. She also actually enjoyed a few of the gifts right away! We had a wonderful Christmas with both families. We even had a nice snow storm on Christmas day. (Nice for us because we didn't have to go anywhere.)

Christmas Eve Cookie Decorating

We decorated cookies at Mark's parents house. Reagan didn't grasp the decorating concept, but knew exactly what to do with a cookie! She'll take hers straight up without frosting. And of course needed some milk with those cookies. What a health nut. She and her cousin Selene were looking for more cookies, I think.

Reagan's first day in the snow

Mark thought Reagan would love to play in the snow... She doesn't like people to wear hats, so Mark couldn't wear a hat while outside with her or she would scream. She also doesn't like to wear a hat or gloves herself. So the escapade of playing in the snow didn't last long, but she did get a good feel of the white stuff. It also didn't bother her to fall due to the "Christmas Story" snow suit and the soft snow for landing in. Since snow pants and boots are not required in Florida, we borrowed them. They were a bit big, and she walked right out of her boots several times. Little girls who like to play in snow leave little Reagan with big boots to fill... Mark and I on the other hand loved the white Christmas.

Reagan's First Birthday

Reagan celebrated her first birthday on December 21st in South Dakota. She loved Grandma's lasagna, eating it and wearing it. I don't know why we cleaned her up after dinner before the cake. She loved her cupcake and had a great time with the frosting, although I did expect a larger mess. Happy Birthday Sugar Plum!

Reagan'

Annual Update: This Christmas

(Mark taking over the writing now)
Reagan is now walking everywhere. She's a bit unsteady, but that doesn't slow her down in the least. She loves our dog more than the dog likes her. Abby tolerates her because Reagan feeds her when we're not looking. And sometimes when we are. We are amazed at how fast she's growing, learning and changing. We are still waiting for the gibberish to make sense. Someday we'll probably wish for the gibberish to come back. There was no gibberish during her first run in with jolly 'ol St. Nick, just screaming.

As we reflect back on the events of this past year, its tough not to recognize just how crazy and delightful it has all been. As you've seen from the first few posts - we've been busy. We've been tested on a few occasions, but mostly - we've been blessed. We have a gorgeous, healthy, mischievous daughter, who we may be a little too proud of. You probably couldn't tell, huh?

Jessica will graduate as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in a few months. And then back in the realm of gainful employment somewhere. We plan to travel back for her graduation from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in early May. What a milestone to look forward to! She's worked so hard -many times without any help at home. At least she only had an infant to care for on her own!

As for me (Mark) I'm as busy as ever. Probably more so if that is possible. And enjoying the excuse to get away from the office in time to put my little girl to bed at night whenever possible. Its my privilege to be the Weapons Officer and chief instructor pilot for a unique squadron here in FL that conducts operational test and tactics development for F-15Es, F-15Cs, and of course F-16s. And I was selected for promotion to Major recently - a rank that I should actually pin on some time next year.

We are planning on spending Christmas and New Year's in South Dakota with our families. We will also celebrate Reagan's first birthday there. Its been quite a while since we've travelled home for the holidays - and as luck would have it, many of our extended family will be there to for a change. It promises to be a great trip. I only wonder how quickly the grandparents excitement over grandkids will fade after a few days of screaming kids and mayhem in their otherwise quiet homes. But they've already agreed to the madness, and it's too late to back out now.


Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, I challenge you to take a few moments to reflect and appreciate your many blessings - in spite of everyday troubles. Remember not only your own family members that can't celebrate Jesus Christ's birth in person with you, but also the scores of dedicated professional military folks who are willingly separated from their families this year. They serve all of you, and deserve your gratitude.
Merry Christmas to you all! Many blessings from the Almighty in the year to come!