M&L Head to Miami for Easter

Today we left bright and early (as in 4:30AM) for the airport. We were headed to Miami for Easter. I found myself super excited for this trip for a few reasons. 1 - we get to see the family; 2- it is going to be a nice break away from work; 3 - Mateo actually understands what Easter is; and 4 - it is Lucia's first Easter.

We decided to upgrade our credit card which means we get to wait in the Admirals Lounge. Here are Mateo and Papi taking advantage of the leather seating and free muffins and orange juice. I must admit it was pretty sweet.

Lucia is very happy about the Admiral's Lounge

Here we are cuddled up in the airplane. Of course Miss Lucia is smiling and Mateo is pretending to sleep.

Lucia tries spaghetti (special whole wheat homemade from Grandma)...

....she was very satisfied

M&L Spend Meet Ryan and Sean

Today was a special day for Mateo and Lucia. It is not only Mateo's Spring Break, but it is also Navita's sons' (Ryan and Sean) Spring Break. Since we are taking off tomorrow for Miami we thought it would be fun if they spent the day at our home and judging by the photos and video they had a great time.

Ryan, Sean and Mateo prepare to dance

"I object! When are we going to get more girls to come over?!"

Lucia may not have been too into it, but Mateo was happy to make new friends

Here the fellas are really getting into the music. You can see that Mateo was taking his cues from the other boys.

Mateo & Papi Plant Strawberries

Well now that it is staying warm more consistently the boys of the family have decided it is time to start the balcony garden again. This year the focus will be on strawberries and tomatoes. We weren't able to find tomatoes yet, so we are starting with strawberries.

Papi puts down the straw and Mateo puts in the dirt

"Hi Mommy, look at what a good job I'm doing"

Now it's time to put in the strawberry plants

And let's finish with a little bit of water. I can't wait until we have fresh strawberries to eat - yum, yum.

Scooter Time!

So for Christmas Grandma got Mateo a scooter which he loved, but we left in Miami. Well lately Mateo has been wanting to ride one here, so we finally went out and got him one for home use as well. He is highly protective of it and apparently almost got into an altercation with a child who dared to touch it on the playground.

Mateo, with helmet on, plays in the "blue park"

with Maggie (in cap), Claire (in bubble) and random other girl

Mateo goes the opposite way on the slides. By the way he also thinks that by wearing his helmet and elbow/knee guards he is invincible...it is a little scary.

Mateo rounds the corner in style

What a way to end the day, Mateo and Lucia chill on the couch, but don't believe in smiling at the same time. First Mateo gives a big smile....

...and now Lucia gives one

M&L & Logan Visit Central Park Zoo

Today was another fun day of adventure for Mateo, Lucia and Logan. Now that they had conquered Jersey City it was time to move on to the big city, so the gang went into the city to go to the Central Park Zoo.

Logan and Mateo waiting for the subway

Navita, Lucia and Mateo put on their best New Yorker faces

"CHEEEEEEESE! I Love This City!!!"

"What are you lookin' at?"

Mateo and Logan took in a show

This seal seems to be enjoying putting on a show

Now onto the penguins (which are Mateo's favorite because he thinks they are "The Penguins" from the show "Penguins of Madagascar")

I think the polar bear wasn't as excited about the weather getting warmer

Mateo poses carefully in front of the polar bear habitat

Lucia -looking like a polar bear herself- is done with the day

M&L & Logan go to the Liberty Science Center

The kids are out on Spring Break, so the nannies figured it was time to break out of the Mile-Square city and visit some other parts of Jersey, so they headed to the Liberty Science Center in the neighboring town of Jersey City. Mateo and Lucia have been one time before, but it wasn't documented as well (ahem by Papi) as it was today.

All smiles - Mateo and Logan wait for the Light Rail to take them to the Science Center

"Wooohooo we're here!!!"

Logan and Mateo try out the wooden cars on this race car ramp

"Hey - not sure where we are, but I like it"

I don't exactly know what Mateo is doing here, but I do think he looks exceptionally cute/handsome in this photo so I had to include it

Now time to experiment with sand

Lucia poses with Logan's nanny, Zol

"Cheese " Mateo does the obligatory pose

Lucia provides a more genuine smile

After the Science Center the boys got to go on the rides at a nearby mall

Auntie Audris Comes to Visit

Today was ladies day. Eddie had a class and Mateo was hanging out with Aba and Abu, so Auntie Audris came over to keep Mommy and Lucia company. We caught up, we laughed, we brunched and had a great time.

Lucia is thrilled to see Auntie Audris

At brunch Audris smiled at the camera while Lucia smiled at Audris's food...mmm...

Finally Lucia also looks up to pose for the camera

And showing her early training as a gymnast, Lucia poses with Mommy and lifts her leg into the air. "TA - DA!"

M&L Enjoy an Early Summer -like Day

The boys of summer are back in town. Ok, ok, maybe it isn't technically summer yet and well these boys never really left town, but they have been enjoying the summer-like weather in Hoboken. The boys and girls had fun hanging out in Hoboken and taking advantage of the fun things for kids to do.

Will, Logan and Mateo roam the streets looking for fun

They decide to stop and accost poor Lucia

Finally Mateo decides to just hang out

and so does Lucia

Claire agrees

Now time to hit the beach (technically a pier with sand)

More of the kids from school decide to come out and enjoy sun, sand and "beach"

Lucia Gets a Highchair

I know some people are wondering what is up with Lucia and that not-so-comfortable looking booster/highchair that they feed her in. Well, there was a dilemma. We have a high chair that Mateo used to use, but it was so large and ugly and I didn't really want to use it. I was also hoping that the high chair that our company is making would be ready in time. Well my wish came true and now Lucia has an awesome elegant high chair.

Of course Mateo and Lucia had to check out the box that the chair came in first

"Ahhhh...much better"