This Is A Hard Game?

"Mom, lets play Zelda. I'll be Zelda. You are Link." This is one of the phrases I hear on a daily basis from my very active 3-year-old. But last Sunday he was full of, as he calls them, "games." We were on our way home from Utah and riding with my mom. Ian was sleeping, but Brody took a nap at church and was wide awake for much of the ride home. So my mom and I got to play several "games" with Brody on that long drive. It started with Mario. When that got old, or when mom and grandma didn't have much to say, a voice from the back said "Mom, this is a hard game?" "Yeah." "Ok, lets play something else." This happened several times as we played cars, firefighters, and Zelda. It was so much fun to hear him use his imagination and laugh at our sometimes silly responses. Brody is at such a fun age. His language continues to grow by leaps and bounds and he says some of the funniest things. Mostly things he hears from mom and dad but that sound so funny coming from such a little person. He is interacting in new ways all the time and we can actually carry on conversations in the car and at meals. I'm loving this age and seeing him use his imagination to explore and grow. Sometimes I just sit and listen to him play. And sometimes I get to play along.

So much to tell you all. Stories to share. But for now the baby is sleeping. I'm going to eat breakfast and go back to bed myself. So enjoy this picture instead.

A Little Announcement

We have an announcement for everyone that we thought we would put into video form. Enjoy!

Since I am now on Spring Break from both work and school, I seem to find myself with time to fool around and do things I normally have no time for. Ari showed me how to play around on Imovie, and... I went a little crazy. Anyways, I decided to make a short film about Brody and all the many moments we have had since his miraculous birth. It is amazing for me as his father to see his growth over the past couple of years . He recently began recognizing his ABC's because of a program Ari bought for him. At 2 1/2, he can recognize letters in the alphabet. (WHAT?!) As I have watched him and looked through all the pictures to create this movie, I asked myself, "Is this the same boy who we worried would even make into this world." For me it is such a blessing to see this miracle everyday. After making this video I tear up and personally want to thank my Heavenly Father for the blessing of having him in my life. He is truly a joy in our home. Enjoy watching what we see everyday!

Dear Winter,

Dear Winter,

Thank you for your hours of enjoyment learning to make snowmen and snow angels, kicking snow, throwing snow, and just watching the snow fall. There is something majestic about waking up to a blanket of snow or watching snowflakes float to the ground while sipping cocoa. Something I've missed for the last three years. And while we are excited for Spring and walks to the park, playing outside, blooming flowers, and a little sunshine. We will be looking forward to your return. I love living in a place with four seasons!

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!

Basketball Jones

Brody loves basketball. I think it started with High School Musical (which he was obsessed with for a month or so). He plays for 30 minutes or so in the morning and the same each evening. He's getting pretty good. Above is the sweet faces he makes each time he makes a basket. You can tell he feels pretty proud of what he has accomplished.

Ah, the sweet taste of victory!

Since We Moved

Brody has been having a great time since we've moved. For his first week in Idaho he got to spend time with his cousin Gregory. They had lots of fun.

Then we went to the Oregon Coast for a family reunion. We all had so much fun.

Isn't Brody's dad handsome!!

Our last full day in Oregon we went to the aquarium.

The puffins put on a show for us. They were quite funny.

Brody insisted on holding grandma's hand as we wandered the park.

The shark tanks

No wonder he wanted to be with his grandma. She's so much fun. There were glass floors so you could watch the sharks swim under you. Brody wanted to get up close to get a better look.

Now that we are back Brody and Drage have been helping grandma in the garden.

And playing basketball. He's pretty good for a toddler.