Valentina - Our Newest Super Soccer Star

Finally after 30 months of being lugged to her siblings games, recitals, practices and lessons, Valentina gets to take a turn at her own sport. And what sport offers lots of running and kicking and having fun? 

Soccer of course!

Not only did Valentina start at Super Soccer Stars, she actually has the same coach, Coach Dennis, that both Lucia and Mateo had when they were her age.

Obstacle course?

"No problem"

Kicking skills?

"No Problem"

"Now where are my stickers?"

Lucia Goes to Vivy's 8th Birthday Party

Today Lucia went back to Chelsea Piers, but this time it wasn't for summer camp it was for Vivy's birthday. I was pretty excited because it was an Ice Skating Party so I was finally going to get to see Lucia do her stuff.

Of course one of Vivy and Lucia's best buddies, Amelia, was there and they got to chatting right away

Not the best shot, but there is birthday girl Vivy (at the end of the table with dark hair and turquoise top)

After the treats comes ice time

Lucia seemed to hold her own

Slow and steady wins the race

Celebrating Aba and Abu's Anniversary

Today the Gonzalez familia went to Del Frisco's to celebrate Aba and Abu's 42nd wedding annivesary. What was great was not only did they have their kids, but also all of their beautiful grandkids.

This shot took a lot to get to, but I would say that Valentina, Elena, Lucia and Mateo managed to scrape together some pretty nice smiles for the picture, so...

...in exchange I let them do one of their own as well.

And this one was specifically for their wonderful grandparents

Did I mention we also got one of the first significant snowfalls of the season.

"Happy Anniversary from Angel Lucia"

New Year's Day 2017

Well it's officially 2017. Let's see what the day has in store.

"Just chillin' in my Judy Hopps slippers"

Lucia was exhausted and had a nice sleep in her new tent that she received at Christmas

Once everyone was awake, it was time for a play date with their besties, Alma...

...and Lucas

Let the games begin!

MLV New Year's Eve 2016

Today was the last day of 2016 and since we went to Miami for Christmas that meant tonight would be spent at Aba and Abu's.

Each year these cousins get bigger and more mature. 

Today they (Janzel, Antonio and Nelsito) all look like grown men.

Valentina (yes those are rain boots) was just happy to be ringing in the new year with a juice box.

Per tradition, there was puerco of course; and this is what was left of his head.

Lucia, sporting her new spectacles, had a great time hanging out with cousin Melanie

The Gonzalez family always knows how to celebrate.

What better way than with a Mariachi band!

Sing it!

Mateo was a fan...

...As were the other kiddos  (Elena, Lucia, Gabriel, and Melanie)

Of course Abu and Aba couldn't let them sing on their own.

Tia Raqui was also there and tried to get in a quick snuggle with Valentina

Finally, I managed to get the littles together for a pic.

Of course smiles from Elena, Estella and Valentina were optional

When midnight hit the kids got to celebrate New Years as well as their 3rd Christmas.

"Shhhhhh..."

 Miss V didn't make it.

"Happy New Year Little One"

MLV Get a Visit from MaddMaxx

As has become a bit of a tradition during the winter holidays, we were lucky enough to get a visit from the Kender Page clan.

Now that the first four are getting older they have found their bonding time to be video game based.

Minecraft, four areas...

...four character

Maddie, Lucia, Max and Mateo

Two characters!

Love

MLV - 2nd Christmas Back Home

Well, we flew back from Miami today and while we were sad to leave the warmth and sunshine the kids were happy about one thing...

..."Second Christmas!!!"

Looks like Santa left a lot in the Hoboken household.

The children dolled out the gifts and got down to business

Lucia scores a cool watch...

...Mateo got some soccer collector cards...

...and little V scored some Mickey Mouse toys.

Lucia also got these bad boys..she was so happy.

With her new robe and glasses she looks like a serious 7 year old intellectual.