Bloco da Bibi

Way before Bianca's tenth birthday she already knew the theme she wanted for her party. I thought she would change her mind after a while but I should know better. When Bianca knows what she wants she is unwavering in her decisions- and I love that about her!

So off I went trying to find things to decorate her Brazilian Carnaval party which was obviously hard but thanks goodness for Amazon. I got confetti, party blower, necklaces, and more. I also asked Ale to bring party serpentine from Brazil. I made typical Brazilian Carnaval masks for pictures.

We had a fun Brazilian playlist, delicious treats, different games to play, and TONS of confetti E V E R Y W H E RE. The kids had a blast! (Don't ask about the cleaning up afterwards...)

Bianca is 10

 My baby turned double digits and my heart is aching she is growing up so fast! 

Saturday, the 16th we planned a picnic at the lake as Bianca had requested. In the morning we drove to Jordanelle State Park to kayak and picnic. We were so happy the Brito family joined us to celebrate this cute girl.

After the lake we finished the day with cheese fries and ice cream at our favorite creamery.

Bianca got back home exhausted and ready for an early bedtime.

After tucking her in, singing a lullaby (she still asks for them every night), and waiting for her to fall asleep I taped a poster on her wall and spread some balloons on her bed.

In the morning she woke up to find the surprise and us singing happy birthday to her with our traditional birthday breakfast in bed. 

After breakfast we got ready to go to church. Bianca was excited to get her golden ticket from Primary.

Happy birthday beautiful girl. We love you so much!

* * * * * *

Giovanna is 10

First day of school 2025

Before starting 5th grade Bianca was already mentioning who she wanted her teacher to be. Unfortunately, she could not get the one she wanted, so she is having the same teacher Giovanna had in 5th grade. Honestly, I am really happy. I like Ms. Clyde- she is an excellent math teacher.

Giovanna is starting 9th grade and Bianca is starting 5th grade. I cannot believe how fast they are growing. They look so big on their uniforms!

Before the girls' first day of school we had our traditional back to school feast. After school I took them to Menchie's to have ice cream and talk about their first day.

Back to school feast 2025

I am sure I haven’t recovered from all the stress and exhaustion nursing school brought into my life. Also, being over 40 probably does not help. I feel tired. All.the.time. But as always I try to find energy to keep our family traditions alive. With that being said, we had our traditional Back to School Feast today. 

The girls picked the menu and I cooked Olive Garden. I made breadsticks with alfredo sauce, salad, chicken gnocchi soup, and cheese zitti al forno. Everything was delicious. We talked about the girls’ expectations and hopes for this school year. Bianca is hoping to make new friends and Giovanna expects learning new things in a safer environment. 

After eating, they opened a couple of gifts we got them. Bianca got a Harry Potter notebook, pencil, and eraser to go along with her class’ theme this year- Hogwarts, and Giovanna got a new book she asked for a little bit ago. They both received a blessing of the priesthood by their dad, and they are all ready to start school tomorrow.

May they have a wonderful school year with lots of learning and growing.

The perfect artist

Look at this beautiful sunset. If that does not warm your heart... 

I took these pictures while driving from one patient to another. I feel so grateful for being able to do what I do for work and still have time to stop and appreciate the small and simple things that can make our day better- like a sunset.

"The supreme beauty of the natural world reminds us of the power and perfection of God. When we are in nature, feelings of hope, peace, and reverence come to us through the Spirit. In nature we can see the handiwork of the perfect Artist"

-Tom Reese

Ale is back

Big daddy is back from his trip to Brazil. After the girls’ dentist appointment and before picking him up from the airport Bianca wanted to make a welcome back home poster and get some balloons, and so we did.

I had a 'welcome back lunch' on my long to-do list that along with other couple of things didn't happen. Life's been busier without him here and I am only one person, so I gave myself some grace and we all headed to Cafe Rio for lunch.

We were also excited to give him his birthday gift. Ale bought his first Guns N' Roses record back in 2009 on a trip to Las Vegas which he never listened to. I thought it would be a fun surprise buying him a record player so he could finally listen to it. He loves it!

Welcome back home honeyzinho. We missed you terribly.

P.S. Girls’ teeth are beautiful and healthy. No cavities!!!!

Yuba Lake

Ale is in Brazil and I thought it would be fun to have a girls road trip before school starts. I found the cutest airbnb in Nephi just twenty minutes from Yuba Lake, perfect to spend the weekend.

The sand is so soft and the water so clear in Yuba Lake! It was really nice! Bianca and I got in the water and played for a long time. The water was cold at first but soon we got used to it. Giovanna just chilled in the tent.

After the lake we headed to our airbnb- a dreamy tree house. I was so excited to show the girls!

They were super excited. The treehouse was super cute and cozy, and we had the whole property just for ourselves. We enjoyed hot tube during the day and delicious smore's at night. The treehouse has a 70' suspension bridge we can light up at night. It was so pretty!

Everything was going great until Giovanna started with her allergies. That poor girl! She has REALLY bad allergies and we forgot to bring her pills. I don't think the tree itself caused her an allergic reaction, but the horses on the prosperities around us. Remember last spring break?

For dinner I took the girls to a local restaurant. The girls know when we travel we always try to eat local food. They don't always love the idea, specially Giovi who is a picky eater, but we do it anyways. 

We ate at Lisa's Country Kitchen. Bianca got burger and fries, Giovi got chicken finger and fries, and I got steak and mashed potatoes with gravy. The food was good, but I would probably try a different restaurant next time.

Before the girls woke up I set up a breakfast table on the third deck of the treehouse. It was so peaceful!

We had a super fun weekend, and I 100% recommend the treehouse. I am sure the girls will forever cherish these beautiful memories.