Lucia Goes to Gymnastics

Today was a very cool day because there was a lot of Mommy and Me time between Lucia and I. It was filled with lots of new things and a little bit of travel.

First we went to the city for a dress fitting for Lucia's flower girl dress. Next, I went to go get my hair "did" and Miss Lucia came along with me. I wanted to test it out to see if she would actually stay put for an extended period of time. I also wanted to show her that there is no need to cry when someone combs your hair. Here she is enjoying the disgusting benches of the 50th street subway stop (don't worry we Purrelled when we got home).

After all of that, I took her to a makeup session of her new favorite class..."GYMNASTICS!!"

M&L Go to the Hoboken Italian Festival '12

What a nice warm summer day. It is the perfect day to go to a festival and lucky for us we live in Hoboken which filled with festivals on a summer weekend. Today's festival was held in celebration of Italian heritage.

Nothing says Italian like a Twirl-a-Whirl ride. Mateo enjoyed it and we enjoyed the fact that he is now old enough to go on the rides by himself

While her brother enjoyed the rides, Lucia enjoyed a nap

Next up, rock climbing. Mateo tried to get to the top several time and always made it about 85% of the way. His perseverance never let him quit, but the supervisor finally called time.

Once Miss Lucia woke up they both got in some bouncy house time

"Cheeeeeeeeese! We Love the Italian Festival!"

And of course, the perfect way to end a festival run is on a slide "Wheeeeeee!"

M&L Go to Lucas's 6th Birthday Party

Warning the people and places portrayed in the images below may appear to be a replica of a posting that took place on July 21st of this year, but do not fear. Although Mateo did have his 6th Birthday Party at Pump It Up, he got to recreate a lot of this fun and excitement with his best friend, Lucas who decided to celebrate his 6th birthday at the very same place.

Mateo watched as Lucas played air hockey

While Lucia and Alma enjoyed some air ball

and climbing

Papi also enjoyed some climbing time

"Um Alma, I don't think this car is big enough for the two of us."

The party group...

...surrounds the birthday boy

And of course, after play comes food, drink and...

...a cake made of cupcakes

and look a familiar face, Mateo's old friend Logan

Lucia and Alma appear to be fascinated with Mateo's cupcake topper

But then they were just interested in cupcakes of their own

M&L First Day of School

Today was a very exciting day for the Vielot-Gonzalez family. Not only was it the first day of First Grade for Mateo, but it was also a first day of school for Lucia. We woke up bright and early and dressed them in their new school clothes and headed off. Lucky for us Lucia had a staggered late start, so we were able to take both of them.

A hardy breakfast of waffles and cereal to start the day right

A little drizzle was no match for this brand new Fireman raincoat

"Yah for First Grade and for seeing old and new friends!"

"Mommy are these good for the rain?"

One cool and edgy first day outfit...checkout the kicks

Complete with umbrella...just in case

Gail, one of Lucia's teachers, shows her a picture of Mateo when he was in the same 3s program

Lucia was fascinated with the fish

And then made her way to the stackable pegs

Aba came along for the big occasion as well...there goes that pirate smile

Later the kids sat down for storytime...they were apprehensive...

...but then really got into it

And then the day was over. Lucia, waiting in her cubby, was ready to be dismissed. The first day was short and sweet...just like Miss Lucia

M&L Have a Home Day Play Date with their BFFs

Today we had an unbelievable first. If you can believe it, it was the first time that Mateo, Lucia, Lucas and Alma had a drop-off play date on a home day (i.e. weekend or holiday). Sure in the past they did birthday parties, but that doesn't really count. This may strike some people as odd, but it is really because they see each other so often that we never feel the need to get them together on the weekend although Mateo does ask all of the time. Anyway, Alma and Lucas' parents needed to pack because they are moving (conveniently closer to us...much closer actually now we are in the same complex) and we volunteered to take the kids. It was a fun day.

Alma and Lucia started the play date swinging...

...the foursome then had a quick pick up soccer game...

...and then the ladies went to lunch at a local restaurant...

...and then finished at the park with some more swinging, although this time they were swinging their dolls

We ended the day with a movie, some icees and some chill time...whew

Mateo Goes to Lila's 7th Birthday Party

Today kicked-off the season of 7-year old birthday parties. Now that the kids are more independent, the types of parties are also becoming more independent. A lot of them are drop-offs and today's was a swimming party (adults optional). Also, Mateo was one of the only boys and felt strange about it, so I think we may also be approaching the same-sex only type parties...clink

Mateo (and the only other boy) shoot hoops in the pool

After a serious hour of free swim there was pizza and cake...hurray!

Mateo got to sit next to birthday girl, Lila

She had really cool take home gifts - floating balloon dogs that just hovered above the ground. Mateo was even nice enough to bring one home for his sister.

M&L Celebrate Mommy's Birthday

Well today was not really extraordinary, but it was Mommy's birthday and it was a good one. Edible Arrangements at work and a nice family celebration at home. It was actually and really great day.

Carvel Ice Cream Cake and my kids, my favorite

They serenaded me and then helped me blow out the candles