M&L - A Day at the Park

Today was a beautiful sunny Sunday. We didn't have much to do, so instead of wasting this great weather inside, we headed to the park to play some baseball

 Batter Mateo and Catcher Lucia prepare for the first pitch

 Looks like it's good...now Catcher Lucia becomes First Baseman!

 Now Papi helps in the outfield!

 She runs!

 He runs!

 And apparently the game is on hold as Lucia takes a break...

 ...A long break...

 ...and so does Mateo...

 ...more break...

"OK let's get started again"

Mateo Goes to the Lion King

Today we took Mateo to his first legitimate Broadway play, the Lion King. He loved the movie so we figured he would love the live action feeling of the theater. 

Real Broadway Theater

Real excited boy waiting to enter real broadway theater

We know someone who works for the theater so we got hooked up with really good floor seats on the aisle. On the aisle is key because characters come up and down the aisle in full animal costume during the show. This was the last picture I was able to take because "real" Broadway ushers don't allow photography in "real" Broadway shows.

M&L - Double Decker

Today was a day that Mateo had been waiting for for about a year or even two. When he got to sleep in his first bunk bed at an OXO outing a couple of years ago he asked "can I get a bunk bed?" Then when his friends got one he asked again. As he began to grow out of his toddler bed (yes it is embarrassing that we had a 5 -1/2 year old in a toddler bed..especially one this big) he asked if he could get a bunk bed. We made a deal with him...if he could keep dry through the night with no accidents we would get him a bunk bed (bunk bed sheets are a lot harder to change) . After all, we knew that we would need to get him a new bed before the small bed started to stunt his growth. Last week we went to the furniture store and picked one out and today it arrived. They both were so excited.

"How sweet it is!"

Mateo Goes to Colin & Gavin's 6th Birthday

So this may seem like deja'vu, but today Mateo attended the 6th birthday of another set of twins in his Kindergarten class - Colin and Gavin. Instead of bowling, this pair wanted to do a sports boot camp...also very boy centric. 

 As part of the boot camp the kids played a game of indoor soccer where Mateo showed off some of his fancy foot work.

 After the game, the kids took a break to refuel with snacks and drinks

 Later, the kids enjoyed birthday cake while sitting in heavy-duty tires. Here is one of the birthday boys, Gavin (in blue and red) , sharing a tire with Colin (not his twin, but a friend)

Of course, Mateo and Jakey found their own super big tire to sit in

Mateo helps Lucia at Soccer

 Today was Lucia's first day at the next level in soccer. The next level requires less parent involvement and much more independence on the part of the child so Lucia was a little nervous. Of course her brother wouldn't let her go into a situation alone, so because the class was very small (as in 3 kids) he volunteered to help out.

The little kids had fun putting away the cones on Mateo's feet and on top of his head

And Mateo took everything in stride..what a good big brother

M&L - The Whole Gangs Here

This week is spring for Mateo and for most kids in Hudson County. What does that mean...that means free time, play time and a visit from special guests. Today, Mateo and Lucia not only got to play with their regulars, but also got to spend a whole day with Navita's kids, Ryan and Sean.

 Everyone is happy to be here - Lucas, Ryan, Sean, Mateo, Lucia, Lily and Alma

 After picture time was lunch time where the ladies enjoyed sandwiches and a side of fruit

Mr. Mateo enjoyed a plate of dumplings and broccoli 

M&L - Easter in Miami 2012

Well today is the day this trip has been leading up to...it's Easter...yahh! Ok, well really I used to be excited about Easter when I was a kid, but as I got older I was not as enthusiastic. I think now that I have kids there is a renewed energy and excitement about it because I get to play dress up with them and we get to enjoy Easter service which comes with Easter treats.

 Lucia and Mateo are all dolled up and ready to go.

 After Sunday School, Lucia took up a job as an ice cream truck vendor at the church playground

 Mateo preferred being a firefighter

 Lucia was psyched about getting to slide down the 2-story yellow tube

 One of my only shots with the kids...a very classy bunch

 And now the presentation of the Easter baskets...two very happy campers

 And now Grandma gets in on the photo shoot

 Of course since this is our last full day in Miami, the kids wanted to go in the pool...again

 Mateo prepares to swim a lap

 "Hey Mommy! You like my feet?!"

The kids take one last cruise around the pool before we retire to the inside

 This bunny is very tired...

...but still happy

M&L - Another Packed Miami Day

Because we aren't in Miami for very long this visit, we need to squeeze as much as possible into each day. Not only are we here to celebrate Easter with family, but we are also here to hopefully have some fun.

 The day started out with a game of  Chasing Bubbles, first Lucia held the wand...

...then it was Mateo's turn...

...then of course Miss Lucia wanted a turn again.

In the afternoon we went to the Train Museum

The Train Museum also had lots of food trucks, so we decided to settle down and get some lunch

Clearly lunch refueled Lucia and gave her a boost of energy

"This is why I'm hot!"

And look who joined us at the museum..."Yah ! Papa Fofo!"

After the food trucks, Mateo got in a little mini golf

And then finally we got to investigate some trains

While we were waiting for our train ride, Pap Fofo and Mateo played the slap hands game

The train ride was nice and relaxing

 And the museum was pretty educational

Back at Grandma's house, we inducted the kids into one of my favorite Easter traditions...dyeing Easter Eggs.  This was their first time and I was very excited. The kids were intrigued and proud of their work. (Please note: Lucia wore this helmet around the house even when not on the scooter)

Grandma was a good helper

The results, while a little scratched up, were beautiful and vibrant.

And now we are ready for Easter