Double Stroller?

Sometimes the older one wants to act younger and sometimes the younger one wants to act older and sometimes they just meet in the middle.

Today was one of those "middle" days. Mateo didn't want to walk and Lucia didn't want to sit if he was walking.

Lucia Celebrates Alma's 2nd Birthday

Today the younger siblings play group got together to celebrate Alma's 2nd birthday. It was a simple affair, but the kids had lots of fun. The girls got a kick out of the whole "blowing out the candles" bit.

Ariel, Alma and Lucia (all with birthday crowns) say "Cheeeeese!"

BFFs, Alma and Lucia are ready to get the party started

Lucia, crownless, but still a princess

Mateo Goes on a Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo

Today Mateo and the rest of his pre-K class went to Turtle Back Zoo. It was his first big school fieldtrip and he was very excited. What was even more exciting? Well scroll down and see.

Mateo in front of the chicken coop

For someone who just conquered a big reptile, he doesn't look too excited

"This is way more exciting!"

Later the kids get caught up in the web of rope

"Surprise!!!!" Aba was one of the chaperones.

After a long day of racing around, Mateo Ethan and Lucas take a break on a huge rock

Mateo got so worked up that he gave himself a nose bleed which is why he looks so beaten up in this class photo. Poor guy.

M&L Go to Antonio's First Communion

Today we celebrated a very special and very holy day. It was Antonio's communion, so the family got dressed in our Sunday Best (although it was Saturday) and headed to Western NJ.

We had to be in the back of the church because we showed up a little late, but we did get to see Antonio go up to the altar.

Antonio (far right) looked very handsome in his little suit

The proud and dashing parents, Mima and Erich, pose with their son

Mateo and Lucia also had some time for a few pictures

Later, at the restaurant Lucia got to spend some quality time with Mima

All of the cousins came out to celebrate Antonio's special day

Preschool Mother's Day Breakfast with Mateo

Today Mommy went to Mateo's school for a Mother's Day Breakfast. It was very sweet to see all of the kids and I was happy to share some special time with my preschooler.

Mateo poses in front of his gift (a little plant with green paper) for Mommy

Lucas's (on the left) Mommy, Hanna (in the center), was also there

Mommy (and her tired eyes) and Mateo (and his allergy eyes) had a wonderful breakfast together

M&L Waiting for Karate

Sometimes it's great when it is just an ordinary day and there is nothing major to report but you come home and scroll through your camera and you find a very beautiful picture. No fancy tricks or special occasions, but a very magical moment. Mateo takes 2 classes of Karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes between classes he has time to sit on the bench outside and just hang with his sister. They really enjoy their time together.

Moments like this make me envy siblings

M&L Eat Cookies for a Good Cause

Today was a big day for Mommy. It was her Hoboken Bake Sale which was going to be raising funds for Cookies for Kids Cancer (an organization established by Mommy's boss to help fund pediatric cancer research). This may sound fairly small, but this event was about a month in the making. Mommy along with her friends from work organized the whole thing. We got a tent space at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival and also had baked goods donated by friends, family and local bakeries (including the Cake Boss). It was a long day that was spent setting up, picking up donations, selling yummy treats and tearing down, but in the end we raised about $9000 which is being matched by Glad so that means $18,000 going towards pediatric cancer research. Not bad for cookies and cupcakes.

Liz, Benat and Jill helped with morning set up and selling to the early crowd

The kids stopped by later in their wagon to help support Mommy and eat some delicious goodies

A newly shorn Mateo not only got chocolate chip cookies he also had a few cherry icees

And a cheap fair toy