M&L Play with Trains

What started out as a small little train set turned into a rail yard that took over half of our living room. I would normally blame it on Mateo, but this time it was led by Eddie and a trip to Toys R Us. Of course, once it was set up, Mateo had to show it off to his friends.

Finn likes Mateo's Penn Station

Cambell and Lucia watch as Mateo takes the control and shows Finn how to operate the trains

As you can see from the applause, Lucia is very satisfied with her brother's performance

M&L At Lake George Pt 2

Today we spent our second day at Lake George. The kids woke up bright and chipper and ready for the days events. We did have a lot of good bonding time with other employees and their families. All in all a very good time minus the living quarters.

Conor, Papi and Lucia have an old-time chat in some old-fashioned rocking chairs

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, Lisa, Shay and Madeline enjoyed some time by the playground boat

Mateo came down head first on the slide

And Jack was enthralled with the playground gravel

Madeline, Dave's daughter, caught mid-run

Caleb and Oona enjoyed some pretend cooking at the playground kitchen

While Miss Lucia ran her car into a ditch

Kavi, Amanda's son, sat back and watched the day's events unfold

Later, Mateo prepared himself for the climbing wall

He made it all the way to the top and rang the bell. It was about a 20-30 foot wall; we were so proud.

While waiting for another turn at the wall Lucia and Mateo discovered the gym...and these enormous exercise balls

Mateo and Lucia played a rousing game of catch

M&L At Lake George Pt 1

This year, my company decided to pay for a family outing for all the employees and their families. Each year we have a ski trip, but most times people with families don't go because it is not very family-friendly. To make up for this, our president decided that it would be good to plan a trip that was tailored to people with kids. I would say there were a lot of outdoor activities like, tennis and archery and wall-climbing and lakes and lots of open spaces which definitely did appeal to kids, but a few things were not so kid-friendly like the 5 hour drive from the City and the cabins with no bath tubs and rat poop. The kids didn't mind, but I did. I think I would have to give the outing a 7, but it has the potential to be a 9. Anyway, maybe the Silver Bay YMCA would be better for people with kids who are a little older.

Walnut Cabin, our very modest accommodations

Lucia was up for a game of tennis

And so was Mateo

Papi thought about what he was going to do with no electricity and no cell phone service.

"Look at ME!"

Inside what I liked to call the "slave quarters"

Yes folks that is an electric plug-in heater and yes folks this cabin is all-wood...hmmm seems safe

M&L - "It's Cupcake Time!"

Today the kids got a special treat. Maybe because they have been good this week, maybe because it was someone's birthday and maybe it was just because Navita felt like giving them something special. It doesn't really matter why, the kids enjoyed it thoroughly.

Mateo enjoying a Crumbs cupcake

Finn and Cambell also enjoyed cake and frosting

Even Miss Lucia got a few bites

Later Miss Lucia had to work off all of those calories at the park

While Mateo decided to take a rest in the playground tunnel instead

M&L Celebrate Logan's 5th Birthday

So as the new school year begins so does the rounds of 5 year old birthday parties. Today Mateo and Lucia attended Logan's Old School Birthday Party. What is meant by old school? Well Logan's Mom decided to have it in her apartment with homemade cake, pizza, snacks and just a few kids playing and parents hanging out. No fancy themes or elaborate rides, just plain fun. I know Mateo had a blast.

Sofia, Maggie, Birthday Boy Logan, Will and Mateo say "cheeeeeeze" to the camera

Later on, we let Mateo get a sneak preview of his Halloween costume. Then it was impossible to get him our of it. We had to hide it until Halloween.

M&L Open Play at the Park

Yesterday was play indoors, today was play outdoors. Same friends different venue.

Mateo and Lucia do some warm ups starting with push ups

Next Lucia and Cambell did a dance

Then Mateo decided to take some chill time on the jungle gym

And now Miss Lucia can do the same

Later, Lucia decided to play with some playground puzzles

While Finn enjoyed some seesaw time alone

Lucia and Cambell show Finn how it's supposed to be done

M&L Open Play at Kidville

Mateo and Lucia ventured over to Kidville today to take advantage of the "Open Play" hours. This basically means the kids get to run wild in the indoor playground. A good time was had by all.

"Let me just make a quick call before we go. I want to make sure my peeps are coming."

Mateo greets his "peeps" Finn and Cambell

Lucia was incredibly active at Kidville today - there was some pushing...

Some stair climbing...

And some sibling snuggling.

Today was a good day

M&L -Soccer, Swimming, Bye Bye Jack

Much like most Sundays, today was as busy as ever. It started with Mateo at soccer, then both kids had swimming, today was Mateo's 1st day in a new level (Starfish or something like that). Then right after swimming we had to go off to a adult/kiddie goodbye party for Jack W. and his family who were moving to Paris.

Papi and Lucia take a break from swimming in the hot tub

Guess who else is in Lucia's swimming class...that's right Aiden and Ant

"Mommy, look at how well I float!"

Although Lucia is much smaller, she had no problems chasing after Aiden (who by the way is wearing Mateo's old swimming trunks...small world)

Swimming works up an appetite, so Miss Lucia had a snack while waiting for big brother to finish his lesson.

Mateo is happy to head off to Jack W's party

So long Jack

Lucia also says goodbye

Swimming is not the only sport Mateo has advanced in. He has also been moved up in soccer. Here he is passing the ball with one of his soccer pals.