M&L Finally Get to Meet Baby Elena

So after months and months of waiting (with some Skype sessions to tide us over), the East coast Gonzalez/Gracia family finally got to meet baby Elena in person. And it was wonderful. She is a very happy and mild-mannered baby and we are so ecstatic to have her in the family.

As you can imagine, everybody wanted a little one-on-one time with the baby, so first was Mima

Her other cousins also got in on the action

Then the ladies-only crew

And of course so did Tio Eddie...

...Who was a complete goofball

"Yah Elena!"

It was feeding time, but we had no idea Elena was the bait

Um, yeah I think Elena is hungry and Tia Stacie is caught off guard..."feed this baby stat!"

It's no mother's milk, but cake will do. Happy 6 months Elena!

Tio Jon shares a special moment with his baby girl

And finally, "Let them eat cake!!!"

M&L Go To Alma's 4th Birthday Party

So in the morning was Tyler's party and in the afternoon Mateo and Lucia headed to Alma's Old-fashioned birthday party

Originally it was planned for outside at the park, but due to rain it was moved inside their apartment

Where Alma's mommy planned some awesome old-fashioned games like egg-n-spoon race

The kids then got to enjoy a great cupcake birthday cake

Mateo was missing during most of the activities (he was holed up in the bedroom playing video games with best bud, Lucas) , but he did appear to enjoy a yummy cupcake

Lucia, dressed in one of Alma's pretty new princess dresses, enjoyed her own cupcake

The party ended with what I find to be one of the coolest games, Fishing for Goody Bags

Lucia seems to have hooked a good one

BFFs Lucia and Alma share a hug and a good time. "Happy Birthday Alma!"

Lucia Goes to Tyler's 4th Birthday Party

Today was guess what? Another birthday party at where? Bounce U of course...the most popular birthday spot for Lucia's class. While it seems a little repetitive for the adults, the kids can't get enough of it.

"Batter Up!"

Tyler, the birthday boy, was very excited to celebrate with his friends

Lucia decided to protest the Ice Cream dance

But she did agree to join in on the standard group photo

And now for the important chair and birthday cake

Lucia and Alessia ended their party celebration with pizza, a juice box, cake and 

a seat in the party throne..."yah!"

Papi Kicks Off his Campaign

Today was a big day for Papi and for the whole family. Why you ask? Well it was the official day that he began his campaign. Campaign for what? Well for city council of our town. He no longer wants to help the candidate get elected, he has now stepped up to the plate and wants to be the candidate that gets elected. And we are very proud of him.

The candidate, before his speech, looks cool and confident

Isn't she sweet...literally she looks just like the puff of cotton candy she is eating

Even Lucia's pal Amelia and family came out for the kick-off celebration

Not sure why the balloon guy was so obsessed with making balloon machine guns, but Mateo was loving it

Lucia was not only excited about the cotton candy, she was also psyched about the face painting. "I am ready for my makeup"

The beginning...

...And the end...she did a pretty good job

And now for the speech...and if you are wondering why the name on the podium doesn't match his...well look very closely at the names underneath and the names behind his head. And if you look to the right you can catch the candidate's wife (in bright pink) taking a photo.

 Lucia attacks cotton candy (her second helping) like a baby cub eating her prey

Mateo got wind of the face painting and had to get in on the action He also added yet another balloon firearm to his arsenal.

"Way to go Papi! You did a great job!"

"You have my vote!"

Rainy Days with Lucia

Earlier today, Lucia went to take professional photos in her recital costume. She was so excited to get to wear everything and to have her hair and makeup done. She looked like a pretty little princess, so one might wonder how they turned out. I did take pictures, but rather than spoil the surprise I will wait  for the day of the recital to post the big reveal, I will instead focus on what happened after the photo session. It poured...

 Princess Lucia was mesmerized by the pouring rain...

 She wheeled back and forth just watching and listening to the rain...

...And reflected on her picture perfect day

Mommy & Mateo - MMA

 Today Mommy was signed up to take a Mixed Martial Arts class with Mateo to celebrate Mother's Day at his dojo. He was very excited to teach me the moves he learns in his class.

But before we go to the dojo, Mateo tried on his new kickboxing gear...yes that is right, I finally agreed to let him take kickboxing. After much begging, negotiating, promising and maturing I finally gave in. I am still quite nervous, but he is so excited.

 Not to be ignored, Miss Lucia joined in on the jab session

Mateo and Mommy are ready to go to our class "Hiiii-ya!"

3rd Hoboken Bake Sale

So today we (Hudson County Crew from OXO) had our 3rd annual bake sale to raise money for pediatric cancer research . We again were lucky enough to be sponsored by the HFA and it was a great day and great turnout.

 We are all set up in our booth at the Hoboken Arts and Music festival and are ready to push some baked goods

 You can't keep the kids away from a street festival...Lucia enjoyed some shish-kabob

And so did Mateo

 Guess who also came out to support the cause...that's right Uncle Aston (taking some boxing tips from Mateo)

While Lucia took a snooze, Amelia snacked on some delicious waffle fries and fruit punch

Raising money is an exhausting job, but it is for a good cause.