Last day of 1st grade

 It feels like yesterday that Giovi got ready for her first day in 1st grade. Today she said goodbye to Ms. Fredrickson, Senorita Grimes, and her friends as she concludes one more school year. In July she will be returning to Windsor for reading summer program.

After picking her up from school we headed to the park to have our traditional grad picnic. She got several colorful polish nails and her favorite chocolate bar. We ate sandwiches, then the kids played in the playground while Ale and I laid under the tree and watched them.

I am deeply grateful for the peace we enjoy every day, for nature, and all the beauty Heavenly Father has created for our happiness here on earth.

A walk at Provo City Temple

This morning I took Bianca for a walk at Provo City Temple. Bianca loves LDS temples, and every time we pass by one she starts yelling: Look, look mama! The temple! 

 Last time we were in Provo I couldn’t stop to let her see the temple so I promised her we would be back. 

The morning was sunny and pleasantly warm, and we were able to walk, smell the flowers, and cool off at the fountain. I let Bianca put her feet in the water, and before I knew it her whole body was in the water, splashing everywhere. Luckily for her she is too cute and no one complaint about it.

 When we lived in Salt Lake I used to take Giovanna for a walk at Temple Square all the time. One day she told me she needed to go talk to Jesus.

LDS temples play a central role in our lives. It is a place of peace and holiness, and I am proud to be raising two beautiful girls who love temples as much as I do. 

Family hike

This past weekend our family drove up to Squaw Peak at Provo Canyon. The view is absolutely beautiful and we can see the whole valley and its perfect symmetry.

 
Then we headed to the Bridal Veil Falls. It was a hot day and several other families had the same idea of taking their kiddos to explore nature and cool off in the cold waterfalls. We hiked up to the falls and the kids did a good job. We had a great time, some complaints, and a couple of falls on our way back because of the steep trail.

By the time we came back to the car everybody was hungry and grumpy. But as soon as we had some fries and ice cream the grumpiness faded away. Then we came back home for showers and naps.

Memorial day 2018

Happy Memorial Day! I am grateful for this country and for those who had fought and still fight for the peace we enjoy every day.

This morning I woke up to see beautiful American flags on the front lawn.

We took the Bellini girls to the Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove and we made sure to drive around the local cemetery so they could see the families honoring and paying tributes to deceased family members who so bravely fought and died for this country. We talked about the meaning of Memorial Day and how we can also honor them.

Children’s discovery Park, also known as “wood park” is fun for all ages. It is completely made of wood and has lots of different parts kids can climb, hide, and literally discover. It was our first time there. The kids had a great time.

On the other hand my heart aches for Brazil. A week ago self-employed truck drivers began a nationwide strike due to a raise on the fuel price. In Brazil more than two thirds of cargo transport happens throught trucks, so the strike is sadly causing a shortage not only of gasoline, but food and medicine across the entire country.

I talked to my sister the other day and she said she tried to fill her motorcycle tank and the gas station was empty. Same thing with groceries- the shelves were nearly empty. Even hospitals have been postponing surgeries because there are no supplies, and police forces in the streets were reduced about 50%.

This is a picture my sister posted on her Instagram a few days ago. My heart goes to my family and friends in Brazil. I am praying for the strike to be over soon and for everything to get back to normal again.

Windsor Dance Festival 2018

This morning Giovanna performed at Windsor Dance Festival. She was the first one to wake up. She dressed up and combed her hair, then by the time the rest of us were awake she was ready to go to school. She was so excited about the dance festival today she didn't want to be late.

The weather wasn't so hot like last time so I sat down in the sun with Bianca to watch the other classes perform. Giovi's class was the 3rd one, and we were already in a good spot to watch and record her beautiful presentation. She is such a happy kid! And she dances sooo cute!

As soon as she was done she came to us for hugs, praises, and of course money for concessions.

Windsor Field Day 2018

School is almost over. But before putting backpacks back in the closet and taking swimming suits out of it, Giovanna will be dancing at Windsor Dance Festival tomorrow, then next week she will graduate from 1st grade. She is getting so big it hurts!

Today the kids had field day at school with fun games and a movie. Some moms volunteered to help with the games and the kids had a great time. This was the second year I have volunteered to help. I love being involved in Giovi's school activities. It is a great way to know her friends and their parents.

Something I love about DLI program is the fact kids have the same friends every year. There is no anxiety in not knowing anyone but excitement to see their old friends instead.

Giovanna is super social. She knows everybody at school- staff, teachers, and children from other grades. She already knows who her 2nd grade teacher will be and she already talked to me about Giovi and how nice she is.

I am a proud mama!

Giovanna gives a talk

Last Sunday Giovanna was invited to give a talk at Primary about the prophets and how they teach us to live the restored gospel. Daddy helped her prepare the talk in Spanish and practice it at home. She did so good! Cute girl.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and for the testimony we can share with our girls. They are special daughters of Heavenly Father. I am grateful for prophets who guide us and help us to prepare ourselves to meet Jesus Christ once again and be saved in the kingdom of God.

"Nuestro Padre Celestial nos ama tanto que siempre ha llamado a profetas para guiarnos aqui en la Tierra. A traves del profeta, nuestro Padre Celestial nos dice las cosas que debemos hacer que Lo hace feliz. Con el Evangelio restaurado a traves del profeta Jose Smith, sabemos como evitar todo lo que nos hace dano y que debemos mantener nuestro cuerpos y pensamientos limpios para que podamos vivir con El nuevamente. 

Nuestro Padre Celestial nunca nos abondonara. Nuestro profeta viviente hoy es el presidente Nelson y se que el es un profeta de Dios. En el nombre de Jesucristo, amem". 

Ethan turns two

This weekend the girls were invited to attend Ethan's birthday. He turned two and we celebrated it with a super cute Mickey Mouse themed party.

Ethan and his family are from our ward. I am so grateful for the wonderful people we met at the Spanish ward and for friendships that go beyond Sundays at church.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

St. George 2018

I am finally posting about our little getaway to the beautiful St. George last week for Spring break.

A couple of months ago my good friend Mindy and I were talking about how bad we needed a break from Salt Lake/Orem. So she kindly invited us to spend a few days over her mom's house in St. George.

Her mom, grandma Mary Lynn, lives in a beautiful and cozy neighborhood with a wonderful pool which we spent most of our time at since the weather was absolutely perfect! The girls lived in their swimsuits. The clothes we packed came back home clean.

P.S. Giovanna is swimming beautifully!

And speaking of water, the girls had a blast at Thunder Junction Park. If you are planning your next trip to St. George and have kids this is a must see place. It is free and incredibly fun!

We can also ride a train for only $1. The ride is fairly long and super worth it!

On our last day in St. George before heading back home we took the girls to play in the soft, red (and hot!) sand at Snow Canyon State Park. What a breath taken sight! Have I already mentioned I love St. George?

I confess I was super depressed having to come back. I wasn't ready at all. But I hope to go back there soon.

A huge shout out to grandma Mary Lynn who always hosts us with loving, open warms every time we go there. Thank you! We love you! You are the best!