Valentina' Stylish Dental Hygiene

The little one does what the older ones do and ever since she learned how to move the stool in front of the sink and got her very own electric toothbrush she likes to stare at herself in front of the mirror while brushing...

...And who wouldn't dressed like this.

Rainbow socks...check

Ariel pajamas...check

Tuxedo leggings...check

Topped off with a My Little Pony bathing suit ...check

It's so hard to look this good

Lucia's 2nd Play - The Long Journey of the Noble Gnarble

Today, Lucia starred in her second performance at the Hoboken Children's Theater. The musical was called the Long Journey of the Noble Gnarble. I was very unfamiliar with the play and with what a Gnarble was, but based on the performance I got that these were all under-water sea creatures.

Our Lucia played Gnarble 1, you can see her way in the back on the left.

The performance was short and sweet and her part was petite just like her.

Of course big brother was there again to show his support.

"Way to go Lucia!!"

Mateo's Late, Late, Late, Late Birthday Celebration

Ok, so yes Mateo's birthday was technically in July.

And yes it was his 10th birthday, so a big one...double digits y'all!

And we did promise him a big bash, but timing worked against us. As a summer baby he doesn't really get the best attendance because of friends' traveling and when school started, so did the soccer season so many of our weekends were super busy, but finally, finally we were able to throw him a celebration he deserved. He asked for a Dave & Buster's party in the city. Ask, and ye shall receive.

Not sure what I was thinking when I agreed to be responsible for 12 boys in NYC, but let's give it a shot. We did have some adult help...Aba, Abu and Navita...whew!

First, get them onto the bus.

Oh yes, let's not forget this little one. Luckily, the other little sister decided to stay back and hang out with one of her besties.

Not sure what genius thought it would be a good idea to put narrow towers of soda and juice in the middle of a table with rambunctious boys, but we will see what happens.

Lucas and Liam were very happy to partake...

...as were Sean, Colin and Kasper.

Simon and the birthday boy were also getting in on the action

"Look over here guys!"

After the food, came the video games. 

Lucas, Benji, Mateo, Sergio and Kasper

Wow!

Colin was all about trying to win some bling

And Sean enjoyed this semi-soccer game

Once again, kids are attracted to bright shiny objects, so Nico and Taiki attempted to get the gold

Liam and Sergio are taking this game very seriously

The man of the hour figured out a way to mater this spinning game...

...so handsome.

And master it he did.

THE DAYS BIG WINNER!!!!

Aba was watching out for her nino.

After game time, was cake time...

...who is a happy girl!

Finally a decent group shot!

And we're off, back to the Port Authority and then Hoboken

We survived!

But let me tell you it was like herding cats.

MLV Celebrate Papi's Birthday

Now that the world is over we really need a reason to celebrate. Luckily, Papi's birthday was right around the corner, so we took advantage and headed over to Aba's house.

We weren't here for too long before someone "ahem" had had enough and got very sleepy.

Hint - the "someone" was neither Valentina or Bailey

We were able to get back on track just in time for the cake

Now for a series called "Please Be Normal for the Camera"

This one wasn't too bad, but...

....then starts the dabbing...

...and the hijacking of the blowing-out-the-candles.

"He doesn't have asthma Lucia, let him blow out his own candles"

Oh well, I tried.

Mateo's Political Party Presentation

Well politics is in the air and although the air is shifting away from what I believe, I was very happy to take a break from it all and focus on my kids. Today I went to see my little man present the project he and his team had been working on for the last few weeks. They had to develop their own political party, come up with their own stance and decided on where their convention would be  held.

Presenting Gun Venom

Mateo's Political Party Presentation

Mateo & Lucia - Election Day 2016

Today was a historical day. One because it is election day and two because for the first time in my life and really in the history of the United States, a woman was on the ballot representing one of the two major parties. I did not vote for her because she is a woman, but I did vote for her because she is more than qualified and she is 1000% better than the other choice. It was very important that the kids came with me to vote, so after spending 1.5 hours in line we finally got into the booth and they helped me push the button for Hillary Clinton

They were a little late for school, but it was totally worth it.

Please note - our candidate didn't win...we are completely heartbroken, but hopefully America will bounce back. 

Hopefully...

Lucia's Publishing Party - A Special Moment

Writing is a very important subject at the kids's school. Ever since they were in Kindergarten, the art of writing has been a point of focus. Along with the thinking, outlining and editing comes the publishing and the debuting. Today we went to Lucia's 2nd Grade Publishing Party where all of the parents got to read their kids' and their child's clasmates books about a special moment in their lives.

Lucia wrote about the first time she went to Sesame Place and she did an excellent job.

"Wait to go Miss Lucia!"