Lucia at Housewares - Finale

Eventually all of this Chi-town fun must come to an end. We had a great run and except for a lack of sleep (on mommy's part) and some yucky face rash (on Lucia) everything turned out to be ok. We also avoided the crazy hurricane-like winds that happened on the East coast.

Aba and Lucia hanging out at the airport before our flight

Lucia is happy to be home

Lucia at Housewares - Pt 4

Today was the first day of the show so Mommy headed out early while Lucia and Aba stayed behind to relax a little bit. The plan would be to meet up with Mommy later to see what all of this Housewares Show stuff is about.

Smiley Lucia prepares for her day

Mommy and Lucia pose in the OXO booth

3 years ago a more serious Mateo (in a similar outfit) did the same thing

Back in NJ - Mateo, Antonio and Ayden work on an arts & crafts project before it is time to head home

Behold the finished products

Lucia at Housewares - Pt 3

Mommy and her coworkers got so much done yesterday that they were able to take today off - yippee! We decided to stay in bed late and then do some more shopping in Chicago.

"Let me just finish this book before we go"

"Ok I'm good"

This is a picture of the hotel crib Lucia refused to sleep in. Given it's jail-like appearance who could blame her. "Guard!! Get me out of here! I need to make a phone call!"

Back in NJ - The 3 cousins enjoy some yummies and juice for breakfast before heading out to the Crayola Factory

Lucia at Housewares- Pt 2

Day 2 at the Housewares Show, Mommy had to get up early to go to the Sales meeting and also set up the booth. That meant Lucia and Aba were on their own to go sightseeing and maybe do some shopping in the windy city. After all it was the first time visiting Chicago for both of them.

I am ready to go - do you like my hat?

Later on Lucia and Aba went to dinner with Mommy and the rest of the OXOnians

Kate wanted to get in some cuddle time with Lucia

She did the same with Mateo 3 years ago

"Whew...I am exhausted. Today was a good day"

Meanwhile back in NJ, Mateo headed off for his very first sleepover. He would be staying with his cousins Antonio and Ayden

Lucia Goes to Chicago for the Housewares Show - Pt 1

So it is that time of year again. Time for companies all over the country and even the world to gather in Chicago and try to hawk their wares (housewares to be exact). This means mommy has to pack up and head to Chicago, but since this is Lucia's first year and we are still somewhat attached she is going with me. Today is also grandma's birthday and it's a biggie. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

"Are we in the windy city yet? It doesn't feel very windy."

"Oooh I like these sheets - what is this Egyptian cotton?"

Deja vu all over again - this is the prince Mateo enjoying the sheets at his first Housewares Show

M&L Celebrate a Pizza B-Day Lunch for Claire

With all of the friends and activities in the kids' lives birthday parties can no longer be restricted to weekends. Today some of the regulars headed out to Panera's to celebrate Claire's 2nd Birthday.

Buddies - Mateo, Will and Logan hold hands for safety and pose with their favorite items of the day

The gang (Will, Logan, Mateo and Maggie) enjoyed some pizza at the b-day celebration

Claire, the birthday girl, flashes a big 2-year old smile

Not to be ignored, Lucia also joined in on the fun

Maggie hamming it up for the camera

Mateo's "I'm too cool for you" pose

Once the celebration is over everyone needs to walk off that big meal

Parking & Posing

The weather in the Northeast is finally starting to show some nice streaks. Today the kids celebrated the sun and hung out with their friends at the park. Inspired by the beauty of the day, Lucia also agreed to take some pleasantly sunny pix.

Nikhil, Mateo and Logan enjoying bubble time in the park

Claire pulled up in her cool shades to enjoy a little park time as well

This next series of photos shows what a ham (and poser) Lucia has become in front of the camera. Sometimes she even smiles when she just sees the camera being pulled out.

"Hey folks!"

"Check out my tights"

I am loving this coy pose