Happy First Birthday Audrey!

Audrey turned one today!
We bought her this cute red wagon which she loves! As soon as she saw the wagon (6:30 this morning) she knew what her plans would be for the rest of the day, never leaving the wagon! She climbed in as happy as could be and Kirk pulled her around our bedroom while she giggled in delight. I wish I would have gotten a video because it was so adorable!

This evening we met up with a few friends and had a birthday party at the pool. It was the perfect evening for a party. The kids had fun swimming and the adults had fun chatting. The girls loved the watermelon and Audrey couldn't seem to get enough vegetables dipped in ranch. Kirsten tried her best to share the attention with Audrey and did pretty good. After Audrey blew out her candle Kirsten stuck two matches in her cupcake. Audrey hated her party hat but Kirsten wore it with pride. How can two people be so different and so alike at the same time?! It was such a fun evening! We are so glad Audrey is a part of our family. She adds so much life to our household. She makes me melt like no one else can. I adore my little baby girl and can't wait to become better acquainted with the amazing person she turning out to be.

Audrey or Santa?

Learning to feed yourself can be very adorable!


Speaking of Santa, I'm reminded of the day Chelsey and I went to celebrate her pell grant and my birthday at Olive Garden.
We were enjoying our breadsticks and salad when Kirsten spotted him.
Santa Claus!
In the flesh at Olive Garden!
Naturally she starts yelling "Santa! Santa!! Santa!!!" and pointing at the older gentleman with white hair and a beard.
Our attempts to quiet her proved fruitless and we quickly wrapped up the meal and excused ourselves.

Kirsten=Cookie Monster

Late this evening we remembered we were dangerously low on milk. Kirk volunteered to make a quick run to the grocery store. I asked Kirsten if she wanted to go with him but she was leaning towards staying and watching Cinderella until I mentioned that Kirk would probably buy her cookies. She blows me kisses goodbye and takes off hand in hand with Kirk, visions of cookies dancing in her head.
At the store she finds fruit snacks and when Kirk asks her if she would rather have fruit snacks or cookies, she immediately placed the fruit snacks on the shelf! Kirk then took her to the cookie isle and let her pick any package of cookies she wanted. She grabbed a box and put in the cart but Kirk asked her if she was sure. Second guessing herself she put the cookies back on the shelf surveying her options again. Then finally she spots the cookies of choice on the very top shelf. Kirk hands her the cookies and she lovingly holds then only separating from them enough to let the cashier ring up the price.
Kirk lets her eat cookies all the way home. When she comes into the house she runs up to me showing her prize box of cookies and graciously shares. In fact she made sure Kirk and I kept cookie in hand the rest of the night!
Our little Cookie Monster

Photography by Kirsten

Brinkerhoff Reunion

This past weekend was my Dad's families' reunion in Glendale Utah. (Can I just take a second and say how beautiful Utah is? It is so green compared to Vegas! I could go on but I won't). On the way their we went through the Coral Pink Sanddunes, which was really cool. We had fun camping and seeing family. Kirsten got to see cows, horses, sheep, and chickens. She was so excited! Who knew all the animals she see's in books are actually real! She just kept saying "it's a moo" after we saw our first herd of cows. Kirsten would love to live on a farm. Kirk and I took the girls on a little walk where we saw most of the farm animals and picked wild flowers. Towards the end of the walk Kirsten walked up to each of us and gave us big hugs letting us know this was the perfect day.

We also had to say goodbye to Chelsey and it about broke our hearts.
We already miss her like crazy!
Good luck at USU Telly Sue!