MLV Go to Navita's Vow Renewal

Busy weekend, which is good I guess because Lucia gets to show her hair off again and she has really been enjoying that. Today, the whole family headed to Queens to help Navita celebrate her vow renewal ceremony.

Fancy kids are ready to party

Although we showed up late, we did make it to cocktails and the beginning of the reception

Valentina got into the swing of things and really enjoyed the bubble-blowing that took place during the reception.

The beautiful bride and her hubby...it was a magical night for them

Navita was so proud to show off her other "kids" to her family

Even Mateo busted a move with her

She also invited Aba and Abu (not pictured)

It was a lot of fun - good Caribbean food, good Caribbean music and good Caribbean people. Miss Lucia even managed to make some more friends with Navita's niece and cousins. All in all a great night.

Lucia's 6th Birthday Party

So after a long day at the hairdressers, followed by preparing good bags and Movie Under the Stars, today we woke up and got ready for Lucia's 6th Birthday Party at Diamond Gymnastics. 

Lucia, in her pretty pink leotard, is ready to go

And so is big bro Mateo. Don't mind the swimming trunks; he has another party (a pool party) to go to after his sister's party.

Lucia's theme was Monster High

The Gym was all set up for the celebration

Lots of Lucia's Kindergarten friends showed up to the festivities, which began with some simple stretches

Surprisingly, the majority of partygoers were boys, but there was a pretty good showing by girls as well. Lucia was excited to hang with Lally, Vivi and Amelia

After the stretching there was some running and swinging...

...and flipping...

...and trampoline bouncing.

Even Mateo was having fun

And now for the moment has been waiting for

She has seen so many people get to do this when she went to others' parties. The birthday person gets to hang from the rafters and swing. The louder the party screams the higher the birthday person gets to go.

She absolutely loved it!

A final flip to return

And she's done

Of course we can't forget Baby V who was having a grand time jumping on the trampoline with Papi

"Ahhhh this is the life"

Final activity? Everyone in the foam pit bombarding the birthday girl

Mateo and Valentina get in a snuggle during party time

Ok, now this is the last event - Lucia got to stand above the rest as her friends lifted her out of the parachute.

At last, time to eat!

Milla and Valentina got to play a little while the big kids ate

Big boys table. Mateo was lucky enough to have his two besties - Lucas and Kasper- at the party to keep him company

Time for birthday cupcakes

And a serenade to the birthday girl

Our big girl

And our little girl

Lucia, with Alma her longest friend. Poor Alma broke her arm just a few weeks before the party.

And Lucia's favorite cousin, Melanie

Papi wants to make sure he gets in a hug too

And a rare occurrence - Mommy actually gets in a picture

Our superstar birthday girl!

You rock!

M&L Movie in the Park

Tonight, after Lucia had a big day of hair styling and goody bag stuffing. Papi took both kids to Columbus Park's Movie Under the Stars.

In PJs on blankets the kids enjoyed tonight's feature - 101 Dalmations

Ok so this picture with the nighttime, and long shaggy hair and girl in a nightgown kind of creeped me out, but in all fairness, she was really just trying to give the movie a thumbs up. 

"That was excellent!"

Lucia's Transformation

Tomorrow is Lucia's birthday party and as one of her gifts she really wanted to "get her hair done"  so she could look really special. Well I took her to my hair place and well, scroll below to see the spectacular transformation.

First up a nice hair washing and head massage.

Next, a long, long process of blow drying. She was incredibly patient - not one complaint or wince. Completely different than what I get at home.

Next a slight trim ...

...and Voila! Incredible! She looks so grown.

When we got home Papi and Mateo were shell-shocked by the long straight hair and really missed the bouncy, crazy curls. I had to assure them that the straight mane was temporary.

Later that evening Lucia got into party planning mode and helped me stuff goody bags. 

MLV go Uptown Dining

Not much to report today except for that it was a good day. It started with some errands uptown and since we were already there we decided to do lunch and ice cream before heading back.

We went to the new La Isla for lunch. Much fancier than their downtown location.

V doesn't like to stay in her chair too long and Mateo is always happy to snuggle.

After La Isla we went to 16 Handles where the kids had Frozen yogurt with crazy toppings.

V didn't get any, but was just happy to be out and about.

We finished the day with some nice time outside in the park - 

where the sisters were just "hanging" out (pun intended)