Last call 2024

Well, the snow is all gone and so is 2024… almost. A few hours remain in the year, and it will be a memorable NYE for me as I'll likely be in bed long before the clock strikes 12. The holidays have been incredible so far (mostly), so I'll start with a run-down of that. The fall has been so busy with sports and coaching, so we were all really ready for some time in Bowmanville, where we could relax and hang out with family and get a break from all of the commitments. The Calgary crew came out this year, and the kids (Alana especially) were SO excited to see their cousins, even though it's only been a few months since our epic European trip to Holland with everyone (Hoogenboom logies!). There was definitely some reminiscing about the lodging and all that went with it (cows, smells), as well as the great day trips we had. Everyone enjoyed lots of down time during the first few days, and we were all spoiled with gifts on the Christmas Eve (or prior!). The kids opened presents here before we left, and some highlight gifts were vintage Archie’s and Crocs (for all), Uggs, Hedgehog toys, Roblox $ (Alana), Lego, an array of penguin merch - stuffies, PJs, slippers, socks, Roblox $ (Jordan), and clothes, a SIM card and golf lessons (Hendrik); Steve and I promised to only get each other drywall and the car fixed, and we both stuck to it. Jordan and Alana had hand-made gifts for everyone (crochet and sewing), and everyone loved them (will find and post pics!), and Hendrik very thoughtfully hid gifts for his siblings in the tree (Roblox $). Santa did bring us a few things in our stocking though, and we weren't the only ones (imagine?); even Jordan's stuffies with their last minute socks got something (!!). Everyone was happy and we were all spoiled.

Christmas dinner was an incredible affair, as usual, and the Brinkmans hosted 16 people for a feast! All of the fixings were there and it was delicious. We played the traditional post-Christmas dinner left-right-centre game, split into two tables this year and had a few victorious family members - Jordan won the quarters round on one table, and Hendrik won BOTH rounds (quarters and loonies) on the other table! Moneybags. It was a lovely evening of food, family fun, and friendly competition. 

Downtime has been the M.O. of most other days, but we have snuck in a few activities here and there: swimming, baseball (with Hughpops), skating, Crockadoodle (pottery painting), a few walks, and lots of playing at home. The kids made a hilarious video about mounting a protest to walks to the creek (there was also something about a murder), so "down with the creek" may be a theme or mantra of sorts to the holiday, which is hilarious. I'm still locked out of my Google account so hopefully this cut and paste works, and I can get some photos up too. All the best in 2025!!