Welcome Maddox David Brink!

Hallelujah, we have another adorable addition to the "Brink" Family!

Stats: Maddox David Brink; 9/21/09; 8 lbs. 2 oz.; 20 3/4 inches; Riverbend Hospital

Ellie, David and Sydney welcomed Maddox David Brink to the world on Monday, September 21, 2009! The whole family is doing great and Sydney is very excited to have a "real" baby to help take care of :)

What a beautiful family. I can't believe she has just given birth in this photo.

During my time in Oregon, I had a chance to briefly visit with David, Ellie and Sydney at their home. I admire many things about them but I am particularly impressed with Ellie's organization and decorative flair. The entire house is already decorated in beautiful fall colors. Complete with wreaths, leaves and a scarecrow to welcome guests. Ellie is also a master at printing out photos, framing them and hanging them in their entry. I always feel like I'm walking into a "home" when I arrive and love that they are intentional about creating a "homey" space.

David showed me his ultra-fancy shed that he's been building (with Sydney's help of course) and it is truly great craftsmanship. Leave it to David Jr. to construct the mother of all sheds...maybe he has a career as a contractor. Similarly, inside the house, Ellie has everything in tip-top shape. I think she should be an assistant to Martha Stewart because her design sense (it may help that she is an interior designer/architect also) is fantastic. The nursery is absolutely adorable and I wish I had a photo to post. She made camouflage, green, brown and even a photo of my brother with his record breaking elk look masculine/chic and cool. Of course, Sydney's room is also precious complete with pink, pink and more pink! The contrast between the two rooms is stark, yet fitting.

All in all, the family is doing great and we are so incredibly happy for them all. We can't wait to see little Maddox in-person! We are already looking for flights so we don't have to wait until Christmas!

Note Sydney's shirt "Big Sister"

And off to Heather's house for a few days!

I spent the rest of my trip to Oregon hanging with my sister Heather and her four kids:Austin; Cole; Peyton and Talia! Your just gonna have to settle for pictures of baby Talia's bath that I gave her. She is a delight and a joy!

Who loves her Aunt Angie?

She loves her hair washed...just like Auntie ;)

It was so nice to just relax and spend time at Heather's house as I hadn't really spent a long amount of time holding Talia since her birth. We've met her a couple of times but everyone wants to hold her and so I was always relegated to just a few minutes here and there. This was ample snuggle time and we even spent some time at Starbucks together while mommy had her dentist appointment. It was so nice to spend some quality sister time with Heather (and her babies).

But at least she looks cute...

Parents in LA and back to Oregon

My parents came to LA for a nice relaxing weekend and to see my show. We hit up my favorite spot, Malibu Winery (again), they spent some quality time with my sis in Santa Monica, came to my show and ended our weekend at church and a dinner with the Hill's.

I decided to head back to Oregon with my parents on Monday and spent some time with my nieces. A highlight was definitely harvesting veggies from the garden with Sydney. AND, in less than one week...we'll be aunt and uncle again to baby Landon (David and Ellie's second child)! I'll keep my fingers crossed that he is born before I leave on Friday :)

Picnic at Malibu Winery

Dancing is always appropriate - - I mean, look at these moves!

Dad showing Russ some of his art finds...Timber posters he found on Montana Street.

Whoa...big zucchini

Look, a tasty tomato!

My girls! Talia and Sydney post-bath

to be continued...

House and my birthday!

A lot is going on in our world lately. Namely, we put an offer on a house and it's been "accepted". Now, we are just trusting that the Lord sees the offer/inspection/appraisal etc...through to a good finish. We've been slowly scoping LA out and we know a couple of things that we want in a home. First and foremost, we want to remain close to downtown because commuting in LA is horrific. Second, we want something that we can add value to (i.e. a fixer upper). Third, we'd love a home that, if/when we move abroad, we can rent it out without too much difficulty. We believe that this home fits the criteria but it has the potential to be a little "too" much of a fixer....LOTS of work but oh, so much potential.

I'll try to post pictures soon! Until then...my birthday pics will have to do :)

Probably my most favorite place in/around LA - -Malibu Family Winery. Free concerts and delicious wine every Friday and Saturday in the summer. The band, Uncle Daddy, was actually fantastic!

After my show, a small group of us headed to Delancey on Sunset to celebrate! It was a nice celebration with beautiful friends. This decadent chocolate cake was delicious (thanks Tricia)! mmmm. The next day, my sis also took me out after my matinee show for drinks and lunch for some quality girl time at the Cat N' Fiddle...I really do have the best sister(s) in the world!