MLV Christmas Gift Exchange with Navita - 2015

Part 2 of gift exchange day - another annual tradition is the kids exchange gifts with Navita the day before she goes on break.

"decisions, decisions...what to open first?"

Valentina just had fun tearing up the wrapping paper

"Thanks for the presents! Merry Christmas Navita!"

Valentina's Gift Exchange with her Posse

Another day, another gift exchange. This time the exchange was with Valentina's little possie.

They first did a craft- gingerbread men, followed by treats and gifts

Valentina and her backup dancers, Ellie and Madison. 

Lucy, Valentina, Madison and Reese

"Go big or go home!"

MLV Christmas Exchange with LAM

As in years past, today the kids exchanged Christmas gifts with some of their best buddies - Lucas, Alma and Milla.

Mateo and Lucas decided a dual opening was in order

Super cool remote control car

Lucia was very happy with her crafts

Valentina was just happy to get some food

Alma, although distracted, was very pleased with her gifts as well.

One exchange down and four to go...and so begins the countdown to Christmas

LV - Girls Soccer Time

Mateo and Eddie had a chess tournament today, so I got to take Lucia to soccer practice. It was great getting to see her progress and Valentina had a fun time running around as well.

Lucky for us, the coaches let Valentina have her own ball to practice with

Check out my cool moves

"Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry"

Not angry, just happy to be grabbing at my feet.

"Look at how flexible I am!"

Now to turn to the real soccer training. Lucia raced with Coach Dennis...

...and then took the ball...

...and then raced ahead to get it again.

Lucia is by far the fastest kid in her soccer class. It is quite impressive.

My two girls in stripes had fun at soccer.

Baby Shrek is ready for her nap.

MLV Celebrate Elena's 3rd Birthday

Shocker! Another birthday in December? 

Yep, another one, but this time it was cousin Elena's 3rd birthday and she really wanted a princess style celebration with her cousins. Luckily, they were in town visiting, so we were able to have a big family celebration at Aba's house.

Elena (in Elsa dress) and all of her girl cousins - Yolaiki with new baby cousin, Estela, Lucia, Valentina and Melanie

Lucia and Melanie enjoyed a tea party with Elena...

... and "Tiny Tina" also wanted to participate

For my part, I baked a princess dress cupcake cake for the party

Tia Raqui, Elena, Melanie and Lucia all gathered around to help with the singing and blowing out of the candles.

And at the end, there was of course a showing of the unstoppable song "Let It Go."

Another successful December birthday party!

Lucia Goes to Sylvie's 7th Birthday

This is a very busy season for birthdays. Lucia had one last week and now again this week. This birthday was at one of her favorite places - Pump It Up and there was a special twist because it was actually a surprise party. This basically meant I couldn't tell Lucia about it until the day of...

Sylvie, the birthday girl, was totally surprised. It was awesome!

Other than the bouncy houses, Lucia really enjoys getting down on the dance mat.

After bouncing, dancing, pizza and birthday cake, it was time for Lucia to say farewell to the birthday girl. As always it was a good time.

MLV Chess & The Christmas Tree

I think today was one of Mateo's happiest of the season for two reasons - his stellar performance at the chess tournament and we finally got our Christmas tree.

Some say lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice, but I beg to differ. For the second time in his "chess career" Mateo won a third place trophy, a best match trophy, and a raffle prize. Both times were on the rare occasion when I have taken him to a tournament (maybe there is something to be said about my laid back approach to coaching).

Then when we got home from the tournament, the tree was waiting to be trimmed and this time Valentina was there to "help." This basically means we were not allowed to put any decorations on the bottom of the tree where she could reach. Otherwise she pulled them off, I mean who can blame her, they were shiny, sparkly and twinkly.

And now for our annual picture...

...of course, it is impossible to get 3 normal faces and seating positions...

...maybe one day...

...but that day is not today.

Good Night