"You'll shoot your eye out!”

If you know what movie this was pulled from than you have been lucky enough to have been introduced to a Christmas Classic. Practically all Christmases I can remember include sitting around with my family watching the drama of Old Man Parker's family unfold and those darn bumpus' dogs.

Christmas is a special time for me (unless you are Scrooge then it probably is a similar experience for you) I am so thankful for the traditions that we have with our family and the time we get to spend with them. I am thankful for the gentle reminders helping me to focus on my Savior.

This year has been pretty fantastic for our family. As we reflect on our many adventures there are some that stand out.

We kicked off the year with a bang by celebrating with the WHOLE Royce clan in Costa Rica, just thinking about the sun and the beaches makes me ache for the warmth again. I also quit my job before the big vacation and am now able to just be home with my little buddy, and I love it!

Between the fun we have had with birthday's, road trips, boating, and enjoy the beauty and recreation our great state has to offer we have kept pretty busy. We look forward to our next set of adventures in the coming year, including welcoming our next baby into our family.

We will be having a firecracker of our own next 4^th of July and are so excited!

We hope you have a Merry Christmas

Love the Brinkerhoff family

Sugar+molasses=JOY

Baking, baking and more baking! I am so grateful for the aromas that fill my kitchen and the wonderful memories that follow! Great discovery for tonight… I just learned how to create a blog post from Microsoft Word! Who knew?!

Little Gus

*Just to warn you... This post is all about this guy


My little Gus. I realized today as I was scrubbing the pasta out of my hair and listening to this babe talk himself to sleep that it has been far too long since I have posted about the joys and adventures that ensue by being Oli's mother.

Oli is a very kind child always saying "pwees" and "duuduuu"/"duuuduuu moouch" and reminding you when you haven't.
He loves to play with other tykes but also likes to venture off and find his own mischief.
Lately Gus has started having a fascination with trains. While waiting in line for Santa Little O's jaw would drop to the floor every time the train came by and desperately wanted to jump ship and join the oh so jovial conductor as she lapped the mall.
He would call after it, "choochoo!!"

Oli also loves cars

As a new 'trick' O will climb up onto anything and whether you are prepared or not he will jump/dive into your arms. It's actually quite frightening

Oli adores his father and will call after him until he walks in the door from work

Anything to do with water you can bet Oli will be kicking and screaming to join in

Fact: I believe Oli is up to about 5 haircuts

Lately he has been such a chatterbox, repeating practically EVERYTHING we say.

About an hour ago I said "don't touch" when he went for the computer and for about 10 minutes he ran about the house trying his best to repeat the phrase.

His most recent word that we love "Awshumm!" (Thanks Grandma Brink!)


Oli is 18 months at the end of this month=NURSERY!

This last Sunday I received the best news! Oli can start next week! I love every minute I have with my Oliman but needless to say church has been difficult since Oli started crawling.

It is such bliss to be home with my Little Gus, I just can't believe how grown up he is. I don't ever want to forget these little moments.