Lucia Gets a New Belt

Over the years my kids have caught on that if Mommy shows up to a Karate class that means someone is up for a belt. Today I showed up and yes, today, someone was getting her belt.

Lucia receiving her new belt.

She was very proud of herself...

...and so were we. 

Congratulations on your low blue belt Sweet Lucia.

We are all very proud of you.

M&L Meet Me for Lunch

The kids (only Mateo and Lucia) are still off on Spring Break, so Eddie decided to bring them into the city to take a karate class and also to meet me for a quick lunch at my work.

We ate lots of yummy food at Wichcraft and Lucia decided to sport these psychedelic glasses as part of her "ladies who lunch" wardrobe. It was a nice afternoon break.

Heading Home

Well, today we have to leave the beautiful warm, sunny Miami for the cold and gray North. All good things must come to an end.

"I'm out!"

MLV - Easter Day 4 - 2016

So now that we have all of that Easter stuff out of the way, we can now just sit back relax and enjoy the Miami weather. Today was our last full day in Miami and we were planning to make the most of it.

More trampoline time and this time all 3 kids got in on the fun.

Valentina refused to take a nap, so I decided to take her for a walk to tire her out in the sweltering heat. She decided on some very eclectic accessories to accompany on her walk. Yellow fisherman cap, bubble wand and random remote.

As you can see from her pace...my plan is working

Later on we met up with Jordan and Madrina Ani for some very delicious barbecue

Madrina Ani was very helpful in keeping up withV's constant request for "mas"

MLV Miami Easter Day 3 - 2016

Well, today is the big day. The real reason for flying down here.

It's Easter!! We had a great day filled with chocolate, fun and friends.

Easter morning the kids woke up to these fabulous Easter baskets

After getting dressed, they were all smiles

Of course before heading to we needed to get in as many family photos as possible.

Take 1 - Mommy and Valentina

Take 2 - Kids on the lawn. Looking might dapper.

Take 3- Fab 5

Now, fast forward, back from church, the kids were presented with their Easter baskets and we needed more photos.

Valentina was very fascinated with just opening the eggs

Later she changed and chilled out by the pool...

...and was lucky enough to get a special visitor.

Auntie Ani

Lucia and her Madrina

After waiting a few days, Valentina finally got her chance to go on the trampoline...

...And she was thrilled!

Happy Easter!

MLV Miami Easter Day 2 - 2016

Yesterday we may have taken it a bit easy as we settled in after our flight, but today was super busy. We tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible.

The day started with 

POOL TIME!! of course!

"Cannonball!"

Lucia was a little more conservative, but still got her swim on...

...as you can see in this video

She really enjoyed the game of Push-my-brother-into-the-pool

"Look Ma no hands"

After they had enough of the pool, they took a mini-break...

...and then it was on to the trampoline

Very graceful

After the trampoline, we headed to the Dade County Youth Fair

 Where the kids and Eddie got to go on a few rides together, but eventually we had to split up due to the height difference between Mateo and Lucia

So I went with Lucia

And little Miss V who was too short for all rides

Lucia had a great time spinning and...

...rollercoastering,...

...And flying through the air...

And Valentina did one of her favorite activities...

EAT!

Big sis also partook and tried her best to conquer this ice cream cone.

In the end the ice cream cone won

And then it was back to the rides, sliding...

...and Grandma spotted a seat with her name on it.

Literally.

Well, mission accomplished- a fun-filled packed day.

Heading to Miami for Easter

Well it's that time of year. It's time to go to Miami to celebrate Easter with Grandma. The kids were excited and I was excited to get some warmth.

Landed safe and sound and Lucia took no time peeling off her sweater to strut her stuff in her appropriate Miami gear.

"Being this fabulous comes naturally!"

Welcome to Miami!