Mato Goes to an OXO Photoshoot

Today Mateo and Lucia (along with Navita) went to Mommy's office so Mateo could participate in a photo shoot. They needed some kids for the packaging on OXO's new children's apron and who better than cutie patootie Mateo. I now have a new found respect for people who photograph or work with child "talent" because they are difficult to wrangle, and difficult to direct. And when there are 3 the problems are compounded.

Best shot of the day

M&L - OXO Ski Trip Pt.3

Today was our last day at Okemo. I can't really say it was a day because we left right after breakfast so we could make it back in time for the kids swimming lessons. Mateo was really sad to leave, but we assured him he would get to ski again and get to hang out with his friends again, so we packed up the car and off we went.

As you can see, we made it to swimming on time

M&L - OXO Ski Trip Pt.2

Today was a full day of skiing and snowboarding for grown ups and kids. Most of us novices got lessons. Although there were a number of bumps and bruises and some pretty nasty spills we all had a really fun day.

Mateo suits up for ski school. First his UnderArmor long johns

Next face mask to protect his nose and mouth from the harsh cold

Last, Mommy's goggles to make him look like a fly

After our lessons (mine snowboarding, Eddie's skiing) we all met up for an OXO picture and a greasy and expensive lunch.

After lunch, Chris, Liz and I went down the greens to test out what we had learned. As you can see from this picture - we took a break about half way down.

Although Eddie was doubtful of this whole adventure, he proved to be a pretty good skier and looked good doing it.

We (me, Chris and Liz) finally did make it down the mountain

Me and Eddie at the base of the mountain

After we did our runs, we went to go take a peak at how Mateo was doing. There he is (second from bottom in all black) going up the magic carpet.

A very cool little skier

After we got back from skiing (and Miss Lucia got back from daycare), the kids ran around the condo and had tons of fun. I was surprised they still had energy.

Later, all of the OXOnians and their families met up at a local restaurant for dinner

Mateo (and Shay's superman) hung out with some of the "more fun" OXOnians

He became fast friends with Nick

About an hour into dinner as we still waited for our food to arrive, Shay passed out

Shortly after Mateo finished his food, he joined Shay in Slumberland...

M&L - OXO Ski Trip Pt1

Every year for the past 4 years OXO has an annual ski trip to Vermont. Mommy never goes because it feels selfish to leave the family behind to spend more time (precious weekend time) with work people who I see every day. This year we (the Vielot-Gonzalez family) decided to go on the ski trip because of the great time we had on the OXO summer trip to Lake George. We packed up an obnoxiously large rental SUV and headed up to Okemo, VT.

Mateo thought he needed to get dressed up for the occasion, so he wore his Buzz Lightyear costume. He was super excited to see the bunk beds and that we were sharing a condo with other kids. Let the good times begin!

Papi took a rest after the 4.5 hour drive while Lucia played with the highly-charged UNO game

Kid dinner. While the singles got together for a night filled with beer games, the families got together in our condo to have some G-rated fun, kid-friendly meals and great conversation. All before 7PM. Of course when the kids went to sleep we did have a little wine.

The only way to calm the kids down? A little Sponge Bob. Shay and Mateo are mesmerized.

Lochlan was quite the ladies man. First Lucia watched as he played.

Then Madelaine watched him with the UNO machine

Snow Day

Well today Mateo experienced something Mommy never has. A SNOW DAY! Due to all of the snow that the Northeast has gotten, Hoboken schools decided it was too dangerous for the kids/teachers to get to school; soMateo and the boys of The Columbus had to play inside.

John, Mateo and Matthew - a new generation of super heroes

Matthew, Mateo, John and Luke hang out

Later, Mateo got suited up in the rest of his Iron Man costume to eat lunch with Lucia

Not to be outdone by the boys, Lucia aka Samurai, smiles for the camera

Big Brother/Little Sister Gathering

With the weather outside being so unbearable, the kids have taken to having several indoor play dates with a lot of their friends. Luckily for Mateo and Lucia they have a lot of big-brother/little-sister friends to keep both of them entertained.

Mateo, Lucas, Finn, Lucia, Alma, and Cambell have a big indoor play date

M&L Kick-off Soccer and Swimming

Recently Mateo and Lucia started their new seasons of both soccer and swimming. Mommy normally stays home with Lucia while Papi goes to soccer with Mateo. Today we switched it up a little and Mommy got to see Mateo play soccer.

And what a difference a few months makes...Mateo scored the first goal of their "game"

Here he is with his team pointing at and revving up the opposition

Not only was he a good kicker, but he was also a good goalie

Now onto swimming. And look at who it is ...not just Miss Lucia, but her buddy Aiden (in the background)

Now for the big boy Mateo...he prepares...And...

He makes the big leap!

Cutie Patootie

I have got to admit that although dressing a boy is fun, the options for a girl are more extensive so one can really get carried away. Today was a perfect mix of cute girl options.

Fuzzy, Japanese winter hat +

Fitted red turtle neck +

Black and white leggings +

Super tiny dancing queen +

= one Cutie Patootie

Mateo & Lucia Couch Potatoes

Most days Lucia and Mateo are rushing off to school or class or play dates or soccer or swimming or piano, but sometimes they actually get a little time to relax. Today we managed to capture one of those times.

Lucia and Mateo are mesmerized by a TV show

"Hey, I like chillin' on the couch"

Mateo can't even look up, the sign of a true couch potato

Mateo & Lucia Share

As Lucia continues to grow from a baby to a big girl she has learned a lot from the people around her, but especially her brother. The love he shows for her she is starting to show back.

Lucia wearing a big girl hat

Ensuring he stays hydrated, Lucia shares her water with her big bro.

Lucia Goes to Romparoo

Recently, Lucia started at Romparoo which was also one of Mateo's first play places. The owner of Romparoo instantly remembered Mateo when she met Lucia, but she noted some big differences. Other than the big gender difference she said Mateo was a lot more shy and played by himself at first whereas Lucia was social from the start.

"Hey folks! I'm here!"

"I think this piece goes in here"

"Cool tunnel!"

Mami & Papi go to Auntie Gina's Wedding

Today was a festive day filled with celebration. It was a long day that started at 8:30AM and ended at midnight, but it was totally worth it. Auntie Gina, Mommy's friend from B-school, got married.

Gina & Aryan's program

Gina brought Mommy a sari from India, but of course I had no idea how to put it on, so I had to go to the temple early to get help from Gina's aunties.

I wasn't the only one who needed help. Here are some of Gina's other friends.

"Here comes the bride" Beautiful bride, Gina with her sisters walk down the aisle

In Indian tradition, the bride is hidden from the groom by a sheet and, after a few words, is revealed

Later in the ceremony, the bride and groom sit together on a swing and have their feet bathed by a family member

Then there are a number of blessings spoken by the "priest", family members going on and off the altar, and there was also food presented and eaten

Each member of the audience was also given a handful of yellow rice. We all walked up to the altar and threw the rice at them to wish them prosperity in their life together

After, they walked and circled each other hand-in-hand

Embraced and fed one another

And stood with their heads pressed together while their parents trickled water between them

The ceremony was almost 3 hours long, so you can see it took its toll on Eddie

But the end was in sight...the families united and they were finally pronounced "husband and wife"

Gina and Me at the cocktail hour

Me and Eddie at dinner

The Columbia crew - Doug P. his pregnant wife Stacy, Me, Eddie, Bill and Rachel

Later on there was a lot of dancing, American, Bangra, old school and modern

Congratulations Aryan and Gina