Quick Update

Well we had a very eventful last 2 months, thus being the reason I have not updated the blog. We went to St. George to spend Christmas with family this year, which turned out to be very fun and memorable. Thank you to everyone that sacrificed to come so that we could see ALL of our family. Everyone from Reed's side of the family and mine were able to be there. It was all we wanted for Christmas, was to be with our family. So thank you!

Jensen had a great time with cousins and getting spoiled by grandparents. We loved seeing our family and definitely took advantage of having babysitters again.

Highlights: swimming almost every day, eating Cafe Rio, seeing more movies at the theater then we did the entire year, being in warmer weather (30-40 degrees), playing card games, watching Ian play Wii, Jonah's birthday at Treasure Island, watching everyone's face when my mom gave my sweet innocent 2 year the soft "bunny" blanket, and just being with family.

Now winter has surely come and here in Minnesota you just have to embrace it. So embrace it we did. It was one very cold Saturday afternoon and we just had to get out. So we all wore 3-4 layers of clothes with our heavy winter coats, gloves/mittens, beanies under hats, scarfs, wool socks, and some nice snow boots. 30 minutes later we were off into the wintery wonderland that is Minnesota. It was about -10 degrees Farenheit with a wind chill of -25, but that didn't stop us. We wanted to go sledding. Now sledding here isn't like sledding in Utah. There is a fine sheet of ice over the snow which gives it that extra little crunch when you walk on it.

We went near our house looking for a hill, even a small hill, just so we can slide down once or twice and come back inside. The nearest hill was about a 7-10 minute walk, which may not sound like a long way, but considering the conditions it felt a lot longer. Needless to say we found our hill, we made snow angels, and fun was had by all. I would like to mention that Jensen did have a good time and was rather toasty the entire time, except for his nose. This kid loves the snow and does not mind the cold one bit. So don't judge me!

This picture was in Utah. I just thought it was really cute and wanted to put it in there.

one, TWO buckle my shoe!

My baby is 2! What happened to the time! His birthday was yesterday and we had a great time celebrating it as a family. I just wanted to post some things that you may or may not know about Jensen:

- He loves, loves, loves trains. We live right by the light rail and every time one passes he has to wave and say "bye".

- Whenever we get home from our walks and put the stroller in the garage, he runs out of the garage and pushes on the side of the garage to close it. There really is no button there, but he thinks he's being a big help closing the garage for mom.

- he still doesn't really say mommy. Sometimes he'll yell "MA" or "Allie" when Reed's calling for me, but no mommy.

- He's a very cuddly boy. He loves to sit on your lap while reading a book or watching a movie. And he gives the best hugs.

- I guess whenever we would say "love you" we would give him a kiss. So now everytime we say, "love you" he has to blow a kiss, no matter what he's doing (even mid run). It's really cute.

- Jensen loves to dance (as you can see). Whenever he hears or doesn't hear a rhythm, he'll start movin' and groovin'.

- he loves being naked. He is such a boy. Whenever he gets the chance he is taking his shirt off. We have to try really hard to convince him to keep it on during church.

Jensen picked up a new skill

Grandma and Grandpa forgot the harmonica they bought in Nauvoo at our house and look who found it.

Duluth MN

We were very lucky to go up north and visit Duluth with Grandma and Grandpa. Duluth is a small city 3 hours north of the cities right on the edge of Lake Superior. If you ask anyone from MN they will tell you that Duluth is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the state. We thoroughly agree. The leaves were changing, the weather was fantastic, we had great company. It doesn't get better than that.

Grandma and Grandpa were able to come up after their trip to Nauvoo. They drove all the way up to visit us. And we're very grateful they did. Jensen was so excited to see them again.

So true!

This is right on the lake walk at the end of Duluth.

Jensen had a great time chasing the seagulls. I'm just glad they didn't poop on us.

We also went 45 min north of Duluth to Gooseberry Falls. Absolutely worth it! They are a chain of falls with several trails to walk to every one.

Jensen and G'pa had a great time jumping on the bed. Hey, if it's not yours, why not, right?

We also went to these beautiful gardens in Duluth, Leif Erickson Gardens. It was the most beautiful rose garden right on the edge of the Lake.

On the edge of Lake Superior.

Vettori Family Pics

This one is my favorite!

So we got family pics taken while we were in Utah. A friend of ours, Shannon Garber did them and I think they turned out great. You should check out her website here if you're thinking of getting pics. Her prices are very affordable and she does a great job.

Bear with me, there are a lot of pics, but they are mostly of Jensen so who can complain. And yes, I know the Brazil soccer jerseys were cheesy. But hey, we're Brazilian and dang proud of it!

How cute are they!

I know, we're not 5 years old anymore. But you try telling my mom that.

Jensen and our sweet little Isabella Vettori.

"Go ahead. Eat it. I've tried it. It's not so bad. If you eat it, you'll get lots of attention. Trust me!"

The whole time we were trying to get him to smile without doing his cheesy face for the camera. As you can tell, no such luck.

Seriously, how cute is this kid!

He couldn't help but play in the water.

Utah - "You're Brand of Summer Fun"

Reed, Jensen and I were able to go to Utah for a couple weeks and just had a great time.

Highlights:

- seeing family (grandparents and cousins)

- Cafe Rio (we almost filled up a whole card)

- Cherry Hill with the fam

- Getting Vettori family pics done (finally), check out our pics here

- having babysitters

- playing tennis

- going out with friends (we're sorry if we didn't get a chance to see everyone. It was quite the whirlwind)

- petting zoo with the Mackays

- Going to several parks with the Barbees

- Silver Lake with the Edwards

- Churrasco at mom and dad's

- seeing my cute little niece, Isabella for the first time

- Utah football game - GO UTES!

Thanks everyone for a great time. See you in December!

Jensen and Kira wasted no time getting to know each other.

Reed loves his nieces and nephews. He was in heaven.

We went to a petting zoo with some of our friends, the Mackays. Jensen did not love the pony rides.

But he did have a good time with Oliver (even though it doesn't show in this pic).

On our was to Vovo's house, just diggin into this peach. Thanks Grandma!

Here's the first time we met the newest addition to the Vettori family, Isabella. She is now 6 months and just so stinkin' cute.

Jensen had definite issues eating when we were in Utah, but when it came to pizza no one could stop him. He ate like 3 full pieces.

We went to Cherry Hill with both families and had a great time with grandparents and cousins.

Look at all those cute babies.

Jensen with his uncle Dan

We went up to Silver Lake for a bbq with the Edwards. Kira and Jensen obviously had other ideas. They would not sit still for a minute. Gotta love 2 year olds!

Here comes trouble!

I don't if you can tell from the million of pictures of them together, but Jensen and Kira hung out a lot.

Jensen loves his Vovo!

We were so excited to get to go to Utah's season opener football game against Utah State. They of course won. We had a great time. Thanks Scott for the tickets!