M&L Celebrate John's 7th Birthday & Get a Visit from Auntie Audris

So as has been tradition for the past 4 years, today Mateo and Lucia attended John's (buddy from the building) birthday party. It was his 7th birthday and it is with a bit of sadness that we realize it will probably be the last one the kids will attend. John and his family are moving to the burbs :(

The kids also got a visit from someone else who moved away...

The party was being held at Bounce U, which is definitely a favorite for the Palermos

Mateo was happy to be there

And as you can see, so was Miss Lucia

"Who wants pizza and juice?"  "Meeeee!!!"

The Palermo family celebrate in style

And later in the day Auntie Audris came all the way from California for a visit

With very little persuasion from the kiddies, Auntie Audris stayed for bath time and a story for Lucia

And one with Mateo..."we love you Auntie Audris!"

Mommy & Papi Celebrate 11 Years

Well today was not really about the kiddos it was about their parents. So Mateo and Lucia stayed home with Aba and Abu and Mommy and Papi went out for a great dinner and a show, The Nance, in the city. 

11 years and still happily married

Lucia's Olympic Day

Yesterday was ballet and today was gymnastics. I may not have signed her up for both if I knew they were going to be back to back, but she seemed to really enjoy and get into both, so I guess it was a good thing.

 Back for round 2, Mateo, Papi, Aba, Abu, Abuela Leonor and Mommy (not pictured) came to show their support for Lucia

 Here comes our little all-american gymnast

 Starting with floor exercises (you may also recognize her buddy, Amelia, from yesterday's ballet performance)

When they first walked onto the mat they had to perform a sort of gallop around the mat to start the show. I thought Lucia did a really good job, but they reminded me a little of show ponies (click on link below to see what I am talking about)

Lucia Warm Up Exercises

 Time to limber up...

...with some splits and stretches. Look at that form!

 This move made some of the dads a little nervous. I happen to think "bridge is pretty impressive for a 3yr old

 And finish off this session with a side split

 Next up parachute play

 The girls also did a little posture practice with their seat spots on their heads

 In this area, Lucia was able to walk the balance beam...

 ...And work on her handstand

 Her last exercise was on this bounce-walk, after which she got a splinter and limped around in discomfort until the end.

 Able to stand through the pain, our next Flying Squirrel

 We were proud of her 

 And her buddies, they all did a great job

Lucia's Ballet Recital

So today was finally the day for Lucia's recital. I know some people were confused about the earlier post, but that was the rehearsal. Today was the real deal and Lucia had a lot of people in the audience cheering her on (Mommy, Papi, Aba, Abu, Abuela Leonor, and of course big brother Mateo). She did such a good job and we are very proud of her.

 Little Miss Lucia limbers up on the couch before the big day. She was very excited to get to wear "makeup" again

 Lucia, waiting on the steps of her performance hall...is she nervous?

 No way, not with the support from big bro...

 ...And BFF Alma

 Lucia, being the smallest of the bunch, got to lead the line out onto the stage

 Mini ballerinas at attention

 She was pooped after the show, but took some time to pose with pal Amelia

 I would say she had a roller coaster of emotions...ecstatic...

 ...sour puss...

 ...happy...

 ...indifferent

 Alma, didn't want to stay in the "itchy" dress for one minute longer so needless to say we were unable to get her after the show

 Big brothers, Lucas and Mateo were proud of their little sisters

 After the recital, Lucia was starving so we went to one of their favorite local restaurants, Robongi for some Miso soup and Teriyaki chicken lunch box

 Great-grandma, Abuela Leonor was very proud of Lucia

 Side note: Today Mateo also celebrated his special surprise for meeting his reading goal in school. Access to the Wii! He didn't know we had it and we got him the Skylanders game so he could finally play. He was completely psyched.

 After the recital and the lunch, Alma and Lucia just wanted to take a break and unwind, so they changed into their swimsuits and played in the sprinklers

 I think Lucia is happy

It was a long day, but well worth it..."you go girls!"

M&L Celebrate Father's Day 2013

Today the family went to Aba and Abu's for a Father's Day BBQ. It was a wonderful, warm, sunny Summer day. Just perfect.

Lucia and Melanie spent the day hanging out and snacking

While a Fish Called Mateo spent most of his time in the pool

Fathers Rule!

Mateo and Lucia agree, "Happy Father's Day Papi!"

Lucia's Ballet Recital Rehearsal

Today was Lucia's dress rehearsal for her ballet recital. She and her friends were really excited and rather patient considering the day was spent doing a lot of waiting...

 Waiting and posing

 Waiting and sitting

 Waiting and standing and then finally they got called onstage (please note: the grown ups had to wait for the kids backstage and were not allow to actually see the performance)

 After the rehearsal, Alma and Lucia went to lunch where they shared yummy food, good conversation and...

time with good friends