M&L - Mall Day in Miami

So we were supposed to go to another fair today, but everyone was pretty exhausted after yesterday, so we decided to take it easy and have a more suburban day. This consisted of a movie (How to Train a Dragon), the mall (hello DSW) and a visit from Lucia's Madrina.

Although we didn't go to the other fair, Mateo still got to enjoy rides in the mall

Another part of suburban life? Driving in big luxurious cars. Miss Lucia knows to always use a seatbelt to be safe.

Lucia and Madrina have some bonding time

Mateo poses with the new toys he got at the mall. Buzz Light Year is his new favorite character...sorry Diego

He also got one of the little green aliens from the Toy Story Movie

M&L Go to the Dade County Youth Fair

Today was a very busy day. First Lucia is 8 months old. She is pulling herself up a little, dabbling in new whole foods, adding new sounds to her voice and she sprouted 2 teeth (on the bottom) within the past couple of days. Other cool things about today - we went to the Dade County Youth Fair. I attended this fair at least once a year when I was growing up in Miami and probably went every year from like 3rd grade until 12th grade. I was really excited to share this with Mateo and Lucia.

Lucia is prepared (although maybe a little overdressed for Miami weather) in her sun hat. Happy 8 months Cherub

While under one of the tents we nixed the hat and the undershirt. Now she is much cooler and happier.

Mateo and I enjoyed the swings...

...and also the big ferris wheel

We took a break to eat some delicious, fattening, fair food. Fries, chicken fingers and a super slushy....mmmm...

Grandma enjoyed another fair treat - Elephant Ears (which Northerners refer to as funnel cake)

Little Lucia decided she would use this time to sleep

We finished the balanced meal with some dessert, a side of cotton candy

I thought this picture showed how similar they are becoming - like father, like son

Mateo was tall enough to go on a lot of the rides by himself. Here he is chatting up an older girl.

Next up Papi and Mateo went into the fun house...he really loved this and went in at least 3 more times

Next they enjoyed a roller coaster ride...

...followed by a carnival game (he didn't win and neither did Papi)

The sign of a good day - he didn't want to leave, so Papi had to get creative and carry him out like a fanny pack

M&L Head to Miami for Easter

Today we left bright and early (as in 4:30AM) for the airport. We were headed to Miami for Easter. I found myself super excited for this trip for a few reasons. 1 - we get to see the family; 2- it is going to be a nice break away from work; 3 - Mateo actually understands what Easter is; and 4 - it is Lucia's first Easter.

We decided to upgrade our credit card which means we get to wait in the Admirals Lounge. Here are Mateo and Papi taking advantage of the leather seating and free muffins and orange juice. I must admit it was pretty sweet.

Lucia is very happy about the Admiral's Lounge

Here we are cuddled up in the airplane. Of course Miss Lucia is smiling and Mateo is pretending to sleep.

Lucia tries spaghetti (special whole wheat homemade from Grandma)...

....she was very satisfied

M&L Spend Meet Ryan and Sean

Today was a special day for Mateo and Lucia. It is not only Mateo's Spring Break, but it is also Navita's sons' (Ryan and Sean) Spring Break. Since we are taking off tomorrow for Miami we thought it would be fun if they spent the day at our home and judging by the photos and video they had a great time.

Ryan, Sean and Mateo prepare to dance

"I object! When are we going to get more girls to come over?!"

Lucia may not have been too into it, but Mateo was happy to make new friends

Here the fellas are really getting into the music. You can see that Mateo was taking his cues from the other boys.

Mateo & Papi Plant Strawberries

Well now that it is staying warm more consistently the boys of the family have decided it is time to start the balcony garden again. This year the focus will be on strawberries and tomatoes. We weren't able to find tomatoes yet, so we are starting with strawberries.

Papi puts down the straw and Mateo puts in the dirt

"Hi Mommy, look at what a good job I'm doing"

Now it's time to put in the strawberry plants

And let's finish with a little bit of water. I can't wait until we have fresh strawberries to eat - yum, yum.

Scooter Time!

So for Christmas Grandma got Mateo a scooter which he loved, but we left in Miami. Well lately Mateo has been wanting to ride one here, so we finally went out and got him one for home use as well. He is highly protective of it and apparently almost got into an altercation with a child who dared to touch it on the playground.

Mateo, with helmet on, plays in the "blue park"

with Maggie (in cap), Claire (in bubble) and random other girl

Mateo goes the opposite way on the slides. By the way he also thinks that by wearing his helmet and elbow/knee guards he is invincible...it is a little scary.

Mateo rounds the corner in style

What a way to end the day, Mateo and Lucia chill on the couch, but don't believe in smiling at the same time. First Mateo gives a big smile....

...and now Lucia gives one

M&L & Logan Visit Central Park Zoo

Today was another fun day of adventure for Mateo, Lucia and Logan. Now that they had conquered Jersey City it was time to move on to the big city, so the gang went into the city to go to the Central Park Zoo.

Logan and Mateo waiting for the subway

Navita, Lucia and Mateo put on their best New Yorker faces

"CHEEEEEEESE! I Love This City!!!"

"What are you lookin' at?"

Mateo and Logan took in a show

This seal seems to be enjoying putting on a show

Now onto the penguins (which are Mateo's favorite because he thinks they are "The Penguins" from the show "Penguins of Madagascar")

I think the polar bear wasn't as excited about the weather getting warmer

Mateo poses carefully in front of the polar bear habitat

Lucia -looking like a polar bear herself- is done with the day