Mateo Celebrates at His Year-End Picnic (1st Grade)

So yes, today was another busy day for me. This morning we celebrated Lucia's last day with a field day at Sinatra Park and this evening we celebrated Mateo's year-end with a picnic at Columbus Park...whew

Mateo and buddy, Benji, played stick ball on the basketball court

And Kasper also joined in the fun

Miss Lucia, had a good time at the celebration when she finally got what she wanted...

She waited in a line for 30 minutes to get this rather sad face painting of a butterfly on her face. Oh well she ended up happy, so that is what counts.

Lucia Celebrates Her Last Day of School (Pre-K3)

Today was a happy day for Lucia, but a bittersweet day for me. It symbolized an ending and reminded me that she is getting to be such a big girl. Because she is going to a new school in the new school year, it also means we won't see some of the kids and parents anymore either. I just have to remember, change is good.

Miss Lucia is excited about her last day festivities as she sits waiting in her cleaned out cubby

The kids were having a field day...literally

Lucia was psyched about the bubbles...

...And the yummy snacks the parents brought in

We had a good time together just hanging out

And I was happy to snuggle time with my girl

"Sweeeeeet Popsicles!"

Alessia, Lucia and Juliet pose for the camera

And best buds share a hug

The Princesses of the AM 3s and while at first blush you would think Ariel, Cinderella and Tiana you would be wrong. They have actually claimed the personas of Snow White, Belle and of course Sleeping Beauty.

And then there was one...we were the last to leave and I spent the time reflecting on how much she has grown over the year and what a big girl she is. 

M&L Brunch & Party

Today was a mixed bag. I had some stuff to do and then of course the kids had a birthday party to attend.

The board I belong to awarded 3 scholarships to local high school students and today we celebrated their tremendous accomplishments with their families. It was a delicious brunch and a great time getting to speak with these very mature and impressive "young people"

After Brunch, I went to meet up with the kiddies at the park where Mateo was celebrating Colin and Aimee's 7th birthdays

Lucia was not interested in any of that, so I took her to lunch where she proceeded to eat her own gourmet mac and cheese and my crab cake. As you can see she is very pleased with herself.

M&L's 3 Party Day

So summer weekend tend to be very busy for us, but today was super, super, super busy. 3 Parties in one day over two states (ok, yes, yes the 2 states are NY and NJ so it doesn't really count, but still it is going to take some stamina)

Mommy went to the first party, for Baby Mini's 1st birthday, solo because Mateo and Lucia had piano and swimming. In case you don't get the Mini reference  her last name is Cooper...figure it out

Baby Mini looked so cute in her purple tutu and sash

She was mesmerized and not paying attention to her Mommy's (Shannon, a friend from B-school) attempt at feeding her

Looks like Shannon is getting in the party mode as well

Up next, cousin Drew and Makai's 11th birthday party. It was a nice old-fashioned yard party. Complete with backyard games and...

...a cupcake station (aka build your own cupcake) which the kids loved. I had never seen one, but it was a fabulously yummy idea

Birthday boy Makai was pleased

As was twin brother Drew

And big sis Tuere

My cousin, Narda, put on a great party

And we got to enjoy a great visit with Grandma Cons as well

And now onto a goodbye party for Baby Cousin Elena. All of the cousins, aunts and grandparents were out for the celebration

Girl cousins rule! Lucia and Baby Elena spend some time bonding on the couch

Later, lots of card playing with cousins of all ages

And the night ends as it began with some girl cousin bonding time over ice pops...sweet!

Mateo's Year End Performance

Today was not the last day of school, but it was the year-end performance for Mateo. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but Papi was there to show his support. The first- graders definitely put on a rather engaging 

They are prepared to entertain and delight

Click on link below to view their performance.

Mateo's First Grade Year-End Performance

Lucia Celebrates Elis's 4th Birthday Party

Today was, of course, another birthday party, but what was a little sad was that it was to be the last in Lucia's 3s class (that is until her own of course). It was refreshing because it broke out of the Pump It Up norm. Today's was held at a really cool place called Space Odyssey.

After doing some initial climbing, the kids (Benjamin and Alexsander in the front and Lucia behind) took a really fun inside train ride around the Space.

After the train ride came pizza and cake with our ginger-haired birthday girl Elis

All of the kids were very excited to celebrate

Especially Lucia and school BFF Alessia

After food came a final event...glow-in-the-dark bowling

Lucia's technique was the classic squat-and-roll

Although intense, it worked out

And then the kids choo-chooed right out of there

King Pin has nothing on Miss Lucia

Lucia Gets her First Cut...Finally!

Today was a big day for little Miss Lucia. At last we had decided that after almost 4 years we decided to take Lucia for her first hair cut. I know it seems impossible that we waited this long, but curly hair is a good disguise for uneveness.

But first we made a quick trip to the pool for their swim lessons, where Mr Mateo also had a first. His first jump of the diving board.

Lucia is ready for her big day

First a little spray,

 And so begins the mirror montage..."what you talkin' bout Willis"

 "Happy!Happy! Joy! Joy!"

 "Spooooky"

And the end result....very stylish...ooo-la-la!