Valentina Picks a Pumpkin

In the Northeast, Fall is pumpkin season and both kids are getting to go on field trips to local farms to go pumpkin picking which leaves little V sans-pumpkin. In order to rectify the situation, I took her over to the HFA Fall event at the local church where she got to do her own harvest related activities.

First things first - pick a pumpkin.

"Is this one good Mommy?"

Next - decorate your pumpkin.

She spent a long time putting on spooky eyes and customizing with marker.

Next choose a treat (the two options were apples and doughnuts).

She chose the apple - not sure this is my child.

And then, play the pumpkin bean bag toss.

Wow! Look who came to join at the end!

Her favorite big brother.

Job well done, mission complete.

Back to School Night

So tonight was "Back-to-School" night at the kids' school and it was something. Very informative to me. They both really seem to be so much older now. Of course since both sessions go on at the same time. Eddie and I split up and then switch midway through.

My first stop was to Lucia's class. Just outside the classroom there was a wall with self portraits and the kids' proclamation of one of their goals for the year. Lucia's was "To be a better reader" and I can say she is already proving this will be one she is definitely going to achieve.

Another Lucia self-portrait in Abra's 2nd Grade class

Onto Mateo's class where they created a Front Page newspaper all about themselves.

He had a lot of interesting news to report, like the story of his 1st win of the soccer season.

And Back-to-School wouldn't be complete without ...

Another self-portrait.

Seems like it will be a good year.

Sister Sleeptime

Ever since V moved into a toddler bed she hasn't really been sleeping in her toddler bed. Instead, she opts to sleep in her sister's twin bed with the company of her sister. At first we thought it was going to be very distracting and bothersome for Lucia, but...

...judging by this picture, it looks like they will be just fine

MLV Go to Joaquin's 5th Birthday

Often times are weekends are filled with soccer games, recitals and birthday parties for the kids to attend to, today was no different. We did have a birthday party for the kids to attend, but instead of it being for one of their friends it was to celebrate the 5th birthday of the son of one of my dear friends from high school.

At first the kids were not thrilled with the idea until we arrived at the cutest little mini amusement park inside a neighborhood Queens park.

The park wasn't too full so Lucia got to ride this one on her own.

She was ecstatic to ride the merry-go-round

A little later, Lucia and Mateo rode some rides together

After lots of rides, pizza and sandwiches it was finally time for cake (well a cupcake tower to be exact). Birthday boy, Joaquin, was thrilled with his multi-tiered tower, Paw Patrol theme and brand new set of bow ties from his Abuelo. He does look stylish!

These fancy cupcakes came in more mature flavors like carrot cake and coconut cream.

The kids were a little skeptical at first, but took a liking to it eventually.

After cake...more rides!

The birthday boy was game!

(Note: in case you are wondering where little Miss V is, she did attend, but she slept through some of it and she was too small to go on any rides, so there was no good opportunity for pix.

Next time!

Littlest is Victorious

So sometimes when the kids are not having play dates or extracurriculars or on their electronics or watching a movie they actually just like to play with each other. 

Today I caught one of those moments...

...and Valentina landed at the top of the pile.

Nicely done little one

Daisy's Become Brownies

Another milestone - today Lucia and her Daisy troop were taking a big step. They were being promoted to Brownies. 

The troop gathered in Columbus Park to say their Girl Scout pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance before they started their ceremony.

Girls line up on the park ramp aka "the bridge" for their bridging ceremony

One of Lucia's besties, Amelia, takes her first steps in the ceremony

Lucia accepts her ceremonial Daisy from troop leaded April

The troop and their certificates

Now for the toss of the daisies into the fountain...

...and the girls receiving their new vests and pins

The Girls do Soccer and Festival

Today Mateo and Papi went off to a chess tournament, so me Valentina and Lucia were on our own. Luckily, we had a lot of plans of our own. Lucia had a game and the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival was also on for today.

First up - soccer, where the littlest sisters, Milla and Valentina, entertained themselves while Lucia and Alma played their soccer game.

Next, we headed over to the festival where we ate and Lucia wanted face painting of course.

My little Honey Bear.

Today was a good day.