Mommy's 38th Birthday

Well today was a great day, I woke up to birthday hugs and kisses and even got a night out on the town. Sometimes my birthday is depressing, but this time I felt loved and remembered so it was all good.

Miss Lucia made Papi go out and me something that she thought I would really like. A tea set that she and I could play together...her heart is in the right place

It was accompanied by a funny talking card with the silly rabbits that we all love

Later Papi took me to a BBQ dinner and a broadway show - The Book of Morman. It was a splendid day. Thanks everyone for making this such a great day.

M&L Go to Lucas's 7th Birthday Party

 So in the BFF crew all of the birthdays have come and gone. First Mila, then Alma, then Mateo, then Lucia and now finally Lucas. They recently got back from Sweden and the kids were so excited to be back together and partying. We headed out to My Gym where the kids had a great time.

Here is birthday boy, Lucas, getting ready to run through the swinging padded walls

 Next went Lucia

Then Alma

 Even Mila, who is now walking, got in on the action

 One of their favorites, indoor zip-lining

Lucia had a grand time swinging and practicing her gymnastics moves

After all that running, zipping and swinging the kids were famished and ready to eat

The whole family was happy to celebrate Lucas's 7th birthday

M&L Say Goodbye to Abuela Leonor

So good news is that today we had another family celebration to attend. The bad news is it was a goodbye party for Abuela Leonor who was going back to Cuba. She has been here for about 6 months, so we knew she would have to go back, but the kids got used to having her around so it was a little sad.

The party was at Aba's house which meant the kids got to pull out all of the toys and have a good time.

Lucia was wild and free rocking the "hair out" look

I taught Mateo how to play Battleship. You can see he was focused ...but I still won. 

Better luck next time kid

Mateo and Abuela spent some quality time together before the party ended. 

Goodbye Abuela, we will miss you!

M&L Celebrate Abu & Tia Lola's Birthday

Now that we have all of the kiddie parties over with, we can now focus on the adults. The Vielot-Gonzalez clan got ready and headed over to Nelsito's to help celebrate Tia Lola (and partially Abu and Lucia's birthdays)

Dressed and ready to go

We showed up pretty early which give Mateo some time to play cards with cousin Nelsito

Of course Melanie and Lucia were happy to see each other

Nelsito Sr. was busy cooking over a hot flame

After everyone danced, ate and drank it was time for everyone to sing "Happy Birthday" and eat cake, so Abu got his grandkids and Tia Lola got hers and the rest of us serenaded them. It was a fun night.

Lucia's 4 Birthday

Yes Lucia did have a birthday party with her big bro to celebrate her birthday with family and friends, but as is tradition in our family, each kid also gets to celebrate on the actual day of their birth. Today was that day for little Miss Lucia, so we took the day off and hung out with the birthday girl.

The birthday outfit included a 3-tiered neon dress and a big rose headband (all picked by the birthday girl herself...of course)

At camp, Lucia got to make her very own crown and we came and delivered birthday treats (ice cream cones) for her and her campmates

Lucia was glad to have Papi there

Next stop, FAO Schwartz where Lucia got to roam the store and get whatever she wanted...you can tell she was delighted

And how can you top a "whatever-you-want" shopping spree? Add face painting to the mix.

Beautiful Rainbow Princess

Yes her bro was also there to help her celebrate. We decided that since she got to celebrate on his day then he should get to do the same so he got to pick up some sweet goodies for himself.

She was so excited about these animal puppets, so she picked one up to take home

To top it off the kids posed with one of the Toy Soldiers (who looks more excited about it than they are)

Who else came?  Abu, Lucia's birthday buddy, Grandma and Aba

Lucia enjoyed a subway ride home with Grandma

Later, she picked the "Fire Place" for dinner. The back story is the last time we went to Hibachi she was terrified of the fire and wanted to go home, so she chose it because she said she was "a big girl now." This time she did much better.

Mommy had a great time with her little princess and prince

Lucia also scored this great princess vanity from Aba.  

Over the last year, Lucia you have become a lot more social and have made a lot of friends. Your independent spirit has grown as well as your vocabulary. You have turned into quite a performer with both ballet and gymnastics under your belt. Lucia you are a pretty, fancy spark plug who knows what she wants and stands her ground until she gets it. You are also a really warm and cuddly little girl who doles out kisses with glee and generosity. Not only are you a great daughter, but you are also a fun and protective little sister. We are impossibly thankful to have you in our family. xoxo. We love you!