MLV Celebrate New Year's Eve (and Gift Exchange 3)

As has become our tradition since we've been married, when we spend Christmas in Miami it means we spend New Year's in New Jersey with the Gonzalez family. Since we've had children this also signifies the day when the kids get to open more gifts. They were very excited to see and spend time with their family...and of course to get more presents!

All Smiles the threesome share some laughs at Valentina's first New Year's Eve celebration

Lucia is ready to get the party started

Valentina and Abu are also ready

Hanging with cousins is a great way to party

"Girls Rule!"

Poor Little V...I don't think she is going to make it to midnight

The countdown (which by the way we sort of missed because we were watching the wrong channel). Everyone was ready with their grapes and champagne

"Happy New Year!"

Now time to open some gifts...

Mateo was psyched to get this Max Tow Truck

Lucia and Elena added to the mood with a little jingle

Pretty Princess Elena was very patient while opening her gifts...

...All in all Lucia was very pleased with all of her presents

MLV Celebrate Christmas Again in Hoboken

Now that we are back home, the kids entered our place to find the gifts Santa had left them in Hoboken.

Mateo was very excited to get books (can you believe it) and Fifa Soccer for the PS3

Meanwhile, Lucia got Kinetic sand  and a singing tweety bird...

...Soft soccer ball for indoor soccer...

...Furreal Puppy ...

And a soccer net! Nice!

M&V Matching Sleepers

Today we packed up all of our stuff and headed home to Hoboken.

It was a good trip and it is always sad to leave, but we can look forward to seeing Miami again for Easter.

Twins? It almost looks like Mateo is sleeping next to  his younger, more baby-version of himself.

(p.s. Lucia took this pic of them on the plane...she is a pretty good photographer)

ML&V Go to Christmas Service at Church & Visit Cousin Max

Today was our last full day in Miami. It was also the Sunday after Christmas which basically meant it was going to be a church day. A day where the kids would wear their Sunday best (brought to them by Grandma) and head off to Sunday school.

Aren't they a handsome bunch. I know the older ones look super serious, but that is just because Grandma told them not to smile. Why? Because sometimes their fake smiles look a bit weird, so instead they are playing it cool.

After church, Mateo and Lucia did a little dance. Don't they look like a mini Salsa couple

And now....picture time. Now you see what i mean about weird fake smiles

And another with Grandma

Now just the three of them...

...and at last full family photo. No that is not our mini-van (it's Grandma's), but it could be

After church, we headed over to visit cousin Kleber and cousin Max. The kids had a great time.

ML&V Visit Abuelo Julio

So today we took the kids to visit their Great-great Grandfather in Hialeah, Abuelo Julio. It would be Valentina's first time meeting him.

And although she was a little shy she did share a snuggle with him

Big sis, Lucia and big bro Mateo also shared some time with Abuelo Julio

ML&V Hang with Madrina 2 & Padrino 2

Today was Lucia's lucky day. She got to see not only her Madrina, but also her Padrino. I don't think that has happened since her christening.

Earlier in the day, Lucia was being really bratty about what she did and did not want to wear. Instead of being given a timeout, her Madrina Anissa took her shopping to get a dress she wanted to wear. (Pictured above - Lucia knocked out on her way to the mall)

Instead of just a dress, she ended up with a dress, a coat, boots, earrings, bracelets and customized hand sanitizer. What does this teach us? Whatever it is, it is not good. 

After their shopping spree Madrina and Lucia joined us for lunch.

The girls are all smiles

Later, we stopped by Yves (Padrino's) house to visit, exchange gifs and hang out. Lucia scored this fancy outfit. (Please note - she is still testing out this new smile of hers)

ML&V Christmas 2014

Christmas!!! The day we have been waiting for is finally here. The kids were up bright and early and ready to get the unwrapping started, but we dragged it out by having them first eat breakfast and ...

...take a Christmas morning pic "Cheeeeeeeese!!! Ok Can we open stuff now?!?"

Lucia was very happy to get  CASH!!! 

Mateo also got money, money, money!

Valentina didn't need money she was just happy to get to play with wrapping paper

Grandma enjoyed watching the kiddies open up all of their stuff

It was a very Merry Christmas for the Vielot-Gonzalez clan (for those of you that think that is a young Santa Claus photo bombing us on the right...it is actually Eddie)

Christmas Eve in Miami 2014

I know it is getting boring to say that today was another beautiful day in Miami, but the truth is it was. It was also very exciting because it was Christmas Eve which meant Santa was going to be leaving lots of goodies tonight.

We got these matching shirts as a gift for Valentina's baby shower, but until now she couldn't fit into hers and be in a warm climate where she could wear it...finally today we were able to put both of them in their twin looks. Lucia wanted her smile to be more like Valentina's  so she is doing this weird open mouth thing and trying not to show teeth.  They do look cute in their outfits though.

Round 2...I guess their mouth expressions are weirdly matching now (also notice Lucia has a new hairdo)

Lucia was so excited to go to sleep that she couldn't go to sleep. "Can't wait until tomorrow morning!"

Mateo was trying to play it cool, but was super excited inside

ML&V Take a Dip and Have Fun in the Sun

Another day, another beautiful day in sunny Miami. What better way to spend it than maxing and relaxing in the pool and hanging out outside.

Lucia feels pretty comfortable paddling in the pool (with a support vest)

Ready, set...

Jump!

V didn't go in the pool, but she was comfy chillin' outside

Mateo got really good at dribbling...he got to 18...nice

Lucia was happy just to sport this tropical look

Lucia came up with this herself

" Mama I have an idea!" 

ML&V Go to Miami for Christmas 2014

So today we flew into Miami and the kids and I were very excited to soak up the warm Miami sun. We didn't waste time taking off the coats and kicking off the boots. Yah Miami!

Mateo, Lucia and Grandma played a friendly game of soccer at the field near her house

Mateo hanging out on top of the monkey bars  cooling off

Very pleased with his Ice Tea drink

Lucia was having fun on the balance beam

And also wanted to tackle the monkey bars

"Hi Mama!  I did it!"

After the park she wanted to hop on her bike and go for a ride

"Way to go Lucia!"

And not to be forgotten...Little V is also quite happy to be in the MIA