Let the hail fall down.....and break my roof.......

On June 1st we had a hail storm roll through Eagan. Some of the hail was the size of a quarter. These pictures show what was left in the aftermath. We would personally like to thank the hundreds and hundreds of roofing contractors for their relentless pursuit of business in our neighborhood. Without you, no one would need "no soliciting" signs.



The flowers took a beating. They were just planted six days before the storm. Oh well, hail or no hail, they didn't stand a chance. I don't have a very green thumb.

Talia Bonifas?

Today our friends Kim and John stopped by with their gorgeous little grandson, Sam Bonifas, who just happens to be about the same age as Talia! They played very nicely together and we are looking forward to several more play dates in the future. Maybe someday they can even have a real DATE!

The only bummer is my lame camera. Every picture turned out blurry. I know, I know....user error.

Beautiful!

Introducing baby Gianna Vertin-Franklin! She was born May 27th, 2008 at 5:46 pm. She weighed 6 lbs 13 oz, and she is 20 inches long. I think Gianna has to be one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen! Congratulations Vertin-Franklin Family!

For more pics and details check out the Vertin-Franklin blog!

The Song and Dance Stylings of Vinny & Maria

Maria and Vinny always have a great time when they get together and this time, as we spent the afternoon celebrating Grandpa Bob's birthday, Vinny and Maria teamed up for a song and dance extravaganza. Vinny on the keyboards, Maria with the dance interpretation....Enjoy!

Lemonade Stand

Vinny has been asking us to buy him toys quite often, and being the mean parents that we are, we told him "no". If he wants new toys, he would have to earn the money himself. So, while we decided to have a garage sale this weekend, Vinny decided to sell lemonade and cookies. Thanks to Auntie Jenny who gave Vinny this fabulous pre-made drink stand earlier in the year for playtime! It came in so handy! All we had to do was post some prices and he was in business. He had several customers and was quite the salesman (hmmm, where does he get that)? He lasted a full two and half hours before he closed up shop!

Talia goes to School!

Talia is getting a head start on her community involvement! Our neighbor, Jasmine, called us to ask if we would be willing to bring Talia to her school for Baby Day. Baby Day is part of the Domestic Science class at Falcon Ridge Middle School where the students observe the behaviors of babies of different ages. Talia showed them all the different things a 13 month old can do! She showed them how she crawls, how she pulls herself up, she played with blocks, she studied the other babies in attendance, she talked, she cried..... She did her part for society. Good job!

Talia is taking a look around the front office while we wait for Jasmine.

Jasmine and Talia in the classroom.

Birthday Wishes!

April 26th is always extra special in the Laurienzo house. We get to celebrate two birthday's! This year we took Vinny to the Depot Waterpark in downtown Minneapolis for his 4th birthday celebration. Although it was snowing outside, you wouldn't know it. It was hot and balmy and full of fun inside!

A future fireman always plays it safe when using fire and candles!

Um, bring on the cake people!

The Depot Waterpark has to have a Train!



Notice Grandma's shirt. How appropriate!


Calli Maskel.....Vinny's friend.

Someone needs a rest!

Vinny on the way home from his party.

After a big day at the waterpark, this happy foursome went out for a quiet
adult birthday celebration at Benihana! Mmm Mmm. Good. Overall, it was a great birthday for Vinny and Carolyn!