Mateo & Papi Father's Day Karate

Today Papi and Mateo got to share in something they both love - Karate. TSK was hosting a Father's Day session for kids and their dads.

Papi practices his kicks while Mateo bravely holds the target

At the end, the kids gave their Father's cool straw hats ( as you can see, Mateo promptly took it as his own)

"Cheeeeeese! Cool Dads Rule!!!"

Mateo & Papi Celebrate a Father's Day Breakfast

Today Papi went to Mateo's Pre-K class for a Father's Day breakfast. From what I heard, the showing was not as good as Mother's Day, but that didn't matter to Mateo because his Papi did show up - what a good Dad.

"Happy Father's Day Papi!"

M&L Scoot & Stroll with Lucas & Alma

Well you know it is summer when the kids of Hoboken all of a sudden lose the ability to walk and can only scoot from one place to the next. Today was a fairly ordinary day filled with lots of scootering around the streets of Hoboken having fun.

Lucas and Mateo are the best scooting buddies

"Cheeeeeeeeeeese!"

"Alright let's blow this joint! Catch you later."

"One day that will be me"

"And me too, but for now we will keep on strolling"

M&L Have Cute Friends

Today Mateo and Lucia had some close buddies over for a play date. I could tell from the photos that they had fun, but I also realized that we are not the only people in the neighborhood blessed with adorable children. I guess cute kids hang out with other cute kids.

Mateo, Lucas and Matthew hangin' on the sofa

Not to be outdone, the cutest ladies about town also got some hang time on the couch with Toy Story's Woody

And the topper...the cherubic Miss Lily

Mateo's 1st "Karate" Competition

Today was a big day for Mateo. It was the day of his very first real competition. He competed in a Martial Arts tournament sponsored by Tiger Schulmann (the place where he takes Karate). More specifically, he would be judged on his ability to grapple. Mommy was nervous. Papi was super nervous, but Mateo seemed as cool as a cucumber.

Mateo putting on the last touches of gear - the mouth guard is very important

Even Miss Lucia was a little on edge. She spent most of the time pushing her empty stroller around the tournament space

Guess who else showed up? Tamara (whose step-son was also competing) and Lily! Lucia was very excited to see Lily

Mateo and Papi (with little Miss Lucia in the background on the left) take a picture before the tournament begins

They also did some practice moves to make sure Mateo was well prepared

Mateo waiting for his name to be called to come to the mat

Mateo facing his first opponent

Click the links below to watch what happened at the tournament

Round 1 - This was his toughest battle

Round 1 Tie-Breaker - Sorry this one is not in focus

Round 2 - This one made me wince a little

Final Round - This one was a pretty decent ending

1st place winner Mateo posing with the 2nd and 3rd place winners (man that little girl was tough)

Mateo, happily posing with his trophy

Papi and Lucia are so happy and proud of Mateo

And so is Mommy :)

After the tournament the family still had time to get to the OLG Carnival at the park. As you can see Lucia doesn't go anywhere without her stroller

She had a swinging good time

She also had fun on the slides

Mr Mateo enjoyed his time at the fair eating a Real Italian Ice. The perfect end to the perfect day

Lucia's Big Girl Swim

Similar to Mateo, Lucia started swimming lessons at around 6 months (actually he probably started closer to a year). She has been doing pretty well, is comfortable in the water and today she went out (a little) on her own.

Lucia in the hot tub, kicking on her own

After swimming we go to the locker room to get changed and Miss Lucia likes to play hide-n-seek . Can you guess which locker she is in?

"Here I am!!!"

M&L - Crazy Kids

Once in a while there is no real event going on, but we are still in the mood for taking pictures. Luckily, when we are in that mood to use the camera, Lucia and Mateo deliver.

Wild and crazy face!!

Sneaky and giggly face.

They do not disappoint.