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!

JoAnne's Baby Shower

We all crossed our fingers that Jo Anne would not go into labor until after her baby shower, and thankfully, we met that goal! We had a beautiful baby shower filled with food, family and friends! A big thank you to Marie and Nancee for all of their hard work and contributions. My job was easy with those two around! Not to mention all the other Vertin sisters and my mother.......... Jo and Bob should be good to go with all their new baby gifts..... Congratulations to Jo Anne and Bob! May you have a beautiful, healthy baby girl!