Lucia Gets a Haircut

It has been around a year since we last "cut" or trimmed Lucia's hair. With there being so much of it and it being so curly it is hard to tell when she really needs one. What we did notice was breaking ends when we comb through it, so we decided to get the ends trimmed to improve the health of the hair and to give it a little shape. The only way we convinced Lucia to let us take scissors to those lovely locks was to explain to her that if you don't trim the ends the hair breaks off...she was sold after that.

Navita took her into the city to my place (with the Dominicans) because they are the only ones I really trust with her hair. They get it and they always do a good job. She also really likes them and doesn't say a peep while they comb through her tangles.

Jocelyn is our go-to for cutting curls. She understands curl patterns and knows how to shape it even when wet. In the end we trimmed off between 1-3 inches

Boom! Fantastic shape from the back...

...and front. 

Miss Lucia is looking "pretty in pink"

MLV Visit Joaquin & Benecio

So around this time last year we had a little visiting session with Enrique (an old high school friend),  his wife Natalia (old college friend) and their son Joaquin. They came over to Hoboken to hang out and to meet Valentina. This time around we decided to make the trek over to them to meet their new addition, Baby Benecio. Other than a little car sickness from Lucia, we had a great visit.

Natalia and the yummy Benecio

At 6 months he is super alert and adorable. I mean the baby. Enrique is also alert, but he is much older than 6 months and much too mature to be called "adorable"

I, of course, wanted to get in my snuggle time with Baby B. He was so easy to hold and Valentina was fascinated with both him and their cat (not pictured) named Boy.

Natalia and Enrique pulled out all types of toys and games for the kids to play with, but in the end the big screen captured their attention most of all.

Looks like the gang keeps growing.

It was nice to catch up with old friends and reintroduce the kids so they can make new friends.

Summer Park Time

Believe it or not, it has been a little while since all 3 kids were in the same park together. Mateo normally likes to hit the courts and Lucia is at the "big kids park" while Little V hangs out at the toddler park. Today the 3 units converged and it was a great time if not fleeting.

Big brother and big sister enjoyed getting to push little sis on the swing.

Judging by the smile on her face, Valentina also enjoyed having them participate in her favorite park activity.

And then it was over...Mateo headed to the courts and Lucia went over to the other playground.

Well it was good while it lasted.

"It's just you and me kid"

Lucia's 2nd Week of Girl Scouts Camp

This was Lucia's 2nd week of camp and she wanted to re-enroll in Girl Scouts camp, so we signed her up for Tumbling & Pom Poms. Much like the first week, the camp sent us pictures after the week was over, so the photos below reflect the variety of activities she did while there.

Similar to the first week, Lucia enjoyed doing an arts and crafts project everyday.

On field trip day, all of the girls were required to wear matching t-shirts so they could easily be spotted. This week they went bowling. Contradictory to this picture, Lucia said she had a fun time.

Now for show day- all week they have been practicing their cheer and today the girls got to show off their moves to the rest of camp.

"Go Lucia! Go Lucia!"

"Cheers for Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Camp!"

V - The Waiting Game

This week Lucia went to girl scout camp, which meant in the early morning I walked with her to a bus stop and waited for the camp bus to come and get her. In the afternoon, Navita and Little Miss V waited at the stop until her bus arrived.

Waiting is not easy...

"Cici where are you?"

"Yah she's here!"

Lucia Celebrates Jaden's 7th Birthday

Although we just got back into town yesterday, we already have a busy day ahead of us. Today Lucia and Mateo had play dates and parties.

Lucia was happy to be attending Jaden's party in the park mainly because her buddy Amelia was there. This park is pretty cool because it is enclosed and has a sprinkler.

Everyone loves a pinata and Lucia was very happy to take a swing at it.

Lucia and Amelia are on top of the world

Birthday boy, Jaden (in black) seemed to be having a great time throwing water balloons

These two!

Well this took a turn...after Jaden's party Lucia had soccer practice and after soccer practice we all headed over to Alma and Lucas's to watch the European Cup with Dram and Lucia played with Milla since the other two are still in Europe. Clearly they got into dress up. Lucia loved this unicorn outfit and well I have no other comments.

MLV - Final Day in Ocean City

Well the day we dreaded all week has come. The last day of vacation. Today we had to pack up and say goodbye to Ocean City, but we did get a little fun in before leaving.

We all wanted one last trip on the boardwalk

Valentina wanted to say "bye" to her friends Bert and Ernie at the arcade.

"So long Tigger"

Mateo and Lucia enjoyed a close game of air hockey

A few small treats...

...and "so long" to the Shore " until we meet again"