I love this boy!

Let me tell you one of the many reasons why. Friday morning I woke up at 4:30 with a terrible cold. Between the sneezing and runny nose I couldn't go back to sleep, so when Derek got up I hung out with him. Around 7 am I climbed back in bed. And like most mornings, Brody woke up between 7 and 7:30 and climbed into bed with me. He woke up again an hour later asking for pancakes (another morning routine). As he wiggled toward the edge of the bed he demanded I "come too." This is when I looked at Brody, said "mommy doesn't feel good, can we lay in bed for ten more minutes?" And without any hesitation Brody climbed back up and snuggled next to me for ten more minutes.

Best Ten Minutes of the Day! Hands Down.

Welcome Little Lyla!

Marc and Ashlee welcomed their new, little girl into the world Friday morning at 8:30. It went pretty quick and mother and baby are doing well. We are so excited to have Lyla Jude Vipperman here. She is just adorable.

My New Nephew is Cuter Than Your Nephew

David LeGrand Vipperman was born last night. We are so excited to have him here and can't wait to meet him. Congratulations Justin and Becky!

Isn't he precious?

Elder Hopkins and Brody

Brody really enjoyed living with the missionaries at Bapa's house. It was like having two playmates living in the basement. The missionaries have been really good to entertain him as well. Elder Hopkins has been transferred so I just wanted to share some of Brody's favorite moments with him.

You will be missed Elder Hopkins. Good luck in your new area!

Labor Day Weekend

We spent Labor Day weekend at an old family favorite spot with Aunt Mary, Uncle Gail and some of their kids and grandkids. We all had a blast.

Brody getting rested up for the parade.

Derek getting rested up for the parade.

Getting excited about what's to come.

Watching the wagons pass.

Waving goodbye.

Dancing to the music from the marching band.

Brody loved the bands!

Taking a Sunday nap with Bapa.

Brody roasting his first marshmallow.

Brody upset that his first marshmallow roasting experience was over.

Brody roasting his second marshmallow.

Brody and Dad keeping warm by the fire.

Brody loved running around outside all day.

Mama, Brody and Brayden by the fire.

Derek got to help make breakfast Monday morning before we packed up and left.

Look at that handsome man flip eggs!

Brody thought he should help clean up so he found a dirty fire pit that needed some attention.

Making a sandwich while waiting to dump.

Bapa's copilot

Brody is

2!

Yep, this cool dude just turned 2.

And he's just as shocked as we are too.

Posing with Pat for a picture.

Brody loved the card from his great grandma.

He kept turning the pages like a book.

Happy Birthday Brody!

Updates to come...

I realize it has been a long time since I've posted anything. August was very busy with visits from the in-laws, Lyric and Gregory, soccer starting for Derek, a concert, and a funeral. But now it is September and with Labor Day weekend over, Derek's first 3 days of school and first two soccer games done, and Brody's second birthday passed, I might be able to find time to post some pictures.

Things to look forward to:

• Brody and Gregory dancing
• Brody playing the guitar
• Camping over Labor Day Weekend
• Brody's Birthday

*Just a side note- Derek's soccer team won their first two games. He has officially gone down in the record books as the first coach to lead the Bears to a victory over their rivals in soccer. And rumors of the best soccer coaches being on the east side of town have dramatically changed since Wednesday's win. Way to go Derek! I am so proud of you. GO BEARS!