M&L Miami Easter Pt.2

This morning the kids woke up with Grandma or maybe they woke up Grandma up. Either way Mommy and Papi got to sleep and Grandma fed them breakfast and got them ready. What a great way to start the day.

As you can see by the cutesy outfit and bows, Grandma was excited to dress Lucia

"I am ready for my closeup"

"The profile looks even better"

"And last, but not least, three quarter turn"

Mateo and Papi enjoyed some sunshine and played a father-son game of catch

Papi shows Mateo how to cup his glove to catch the ball

Later on we met up with some Vielot cousins - Yves (aka Lucia's Padrino) and Kleber with Miss Lucia enjoy some Caribbean food at Bahama Breeze

There were also some other cousins, new cousins, from the Vielot side that Mommy was meeting for the very first time Charlaine (far right) and her cousin and 1 year old daughter (being held by Yves). We had always known about her and Yves works with her and that is how we confirmed she was indeed related.

Yves being sandwiched by two super cute cousins

M&L Miami Easter Pt.1

So today the kids woke up in Hoboken and went to sleep in Miami. What happened in between was an adventure. First, our flight got cancelled, next we were booked on another flight, then that flight was delayed. We ended up going through some incredibly horrible and nerve-wracking turbulence which is when we discovered that Mateo and Lucia love turbulence. They were cracking up the whole time. We were relieved when we landed and of course were very happy to see Grandma and feel the welcoming warmth of Miami...yah!

Is it me, or does Lucia look a lot like the drawing of the girl on her shirt?

Mateo and Papi show Grandma their practice sparring

And little Lucia helps Grandma tidy up the house (still not sure where she picked up this domestic habit)

M&L Get Another Visit from Ryan

Today the kids had lots of visitors. Some were regulars, like Lucas and Alma while another is a once-in-a-while visitor, Ryan. Mateo and Lucia enjoyed the company.

Mateo and Lucia are happy to see Ryan

Alma came over and she and Lucia cuddled on the couch for a little while

Next, Lucia in her best Ironman impression ensured the play date was kept safe

After a long day the girls settled in and had a pizza dinner

The boys also enjoyed their own pizza party

Vielot-Gonzalez Hunt, Cheer & Flap

So today was an incredibly busy day for the Vielot-Gonzalez family and more specifically for me. It started out with bunny eggs and ended with prohibition and Bedlum.

In the morning we all went to an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids in our local park. This is a first for Lucia. She was a little confused so after she found one egg she turned it in for a prize.

Mateo took a different approach and tried to gather as many eggs as possible before turning them in for a prize. (Note: every kid got one prize so technically Lucia had a higher ROI)

Some of their buddies also showed up. Nikhil gathered a few eggs, but Luca is still too small...maybe next year

Lucia was mesmerized by Luca and gave him "un abrazo." I think my kids have some affinity for kids with that name.

Lucia enjoys her first lollipop with Papi

Later that night, we left the kids with Aba and we headed off to a Vodka Launch party. Since the name of the Vodka is Bootlegger, the theme of the party was Prohibition-era. It was lots of fun because everyone was dressed up and really got into the theme. (Please note: I also went to Yolaiki's bridal shower (not shown) before this party and after the egg hunt)

We also brought along Abu

Mommy and the Mistress of Ceremonies, Benat (one of mommy's coworkers and the wife of the co-owner of Bootlegger Vodka)

Other co-workers also showed up to celebrate (Liz, Melissa, Trip and Mommy)

Mommy and Papi are excited about a night out

After the launch party, I met up with Yolaiki's bachelorette party crew where we started out at the Peculiar Pub ...

...and ended up in an East Village club called Bedlum. It was a very long day.

M&L Tandem Strolling

It is really funny that siblings always think the grass is greener on the other side. When Lucia was first born and even now every now and then Mateo regresses by a couple of years hoping to get the attention or patience given to a baby. Lucia on the other hand always wants to do what Mateo is doing, even if she is not quite old enough. Well lately our Bugaboo Stroller has taken on a new role. The carriage portion doesn't get much play; Lucia would rather stand with Mateo.

Lucia takes the front and Mateo rides in the back

"This is how we roll!"

Lucia is a Tree Hugger

Another unusually beautiful day in a sea of cold and rainy New Jersey days. How do we celebrate this nice weather? With some outside time. While Mateo and Papi went to piano, Lucia and Mommy had a short date at the park.

Instead of playing on the slides or swings Lucia just went around and around this tree...she is ready for nature to bloom and Summer to begin.

Mateo Gets his High White

As you may remember from a few posts ago, Mateo was practicing his push-ups so he could get his high white in karate. Well he was finally able to do them, so he finally got his high white.

Mateo is excited to show off his skills

"And now let's get down to some serious business"

Mateo, in the middle pairing, spars against his partner in grappling

Sensei G. presents the proud Mateo with his high white...of course the next thing Mateo asked when he got home was "when am I going to get my blue belt?" The boy is never satisfied.