M&L Get a Christmas Tree

So as is tradition, the Vielot Gonzalez family went shopping for a real Christmas Tree. We got dressed, ate, hung out and went to the local church to pick out our tree.

Picking out a tree is "Groovy baby!"

Mateo and Lucia ran around the lot and then picked out the perfect tree

When we got home, the kids and Papi set up the tree

A little later, Mateo finished up his first letter to Santa.

What a big boy!

M&L Get a Visit from Tia Raqui & Uncle Aston

"Yaaah!!" The great thing about Thanksgiving is that it brings friends and family into town. We continued with that tradition and had Tia Raqui, Tio Jon and Uncle Aston all over for a play date.

Tia Raqui Caqui and Miss Lucia hang out at the park

While Mateo makes a friend playing a game of hoops

As the afternoon turned to evening, we bundled up and headed for home

But not before a quick bro-sis picture

Later Uncle Aston came over with Auntie Gail and Mateo gave them a little performance on the piano

M&L Enjoy a Fall Day with MadMax

So today was both a happy and sad day. Happy because we got to see MaddMax again, but sad because it was the last time we would get to see them for a while.

Of course there was a start to the afternoon that included Angry Birds

Later, we headed to the park where Mateo found his buddy Matthew

The 2s crew made their way back to the playground where Max and Lucia took turns going down the slide

And then Madrina tried the same thing and discovered the slide was sized for little people

A little farewell swinging

And the end of a beautiful Fall day

M&L Celebrate Thanksgiving 2011

Finally, today is Turkey Day. We baked some goodies, packed up the kids and headed over to Aba and Abu's house.

Girl cousins rule! - Melanie and Lucia enjoying each other's company.

Familia - Nelsito, Yuliet, Tia Briseida, Ediberto, Tio Jon and Tia Raqui

Mas familia - Yasnier and Roxanna

Lucia enjoying some appetizers with Papi and Mommy

Cousins - Ayden, Mateo and Melanie enjoy the kids' Thanksgiving along with the slim and sexy Prima Mima

Tornado and Volcano (aka Ayden and Mateo) say "Cheese!"

The night ended with a healthy game of Foosball between cousins Lucia and Aiden

M&L Get a Visit from Auntie Audris

So this weekend was incredibly busy and not only did we have soccer and swimming, but we had lots of visitors. Yesterday we had MaddMax and today we had MaddMax, Madrina and Auntie Audris. We are a very lucky bunch.

MaddMax came over for a quick playdate and some sword fighting

Later Auntie Audris, Dennis and Mateo played astronauts with some new toys (thanks Auntie Audris)

After and early dinner it was time to say goodbye to Auntie Audris. "Thanks for coming!"

M&L Get a Visit from MaddMax

So today was a very happy, happy, joy, joy day. Why you ask? Because we were getting a visit from Madrina, Maddie and Max. "Yippeee!!!"

Of course there was lots to do to catch up - some Super Hero Chutes & Ladder action...

...then some putting on our shoes to go outside action

The 2 Year-Olds get some encouragement from Mateo. "Yahhh Max!! You put on your shoes by yourself!"

There was some toddler climbing action between Max and Lucia

Then they joined Maddie and did some rocking back and forth

Of course Lucia and Mateo couldn't miss out on the swinging action

And neither could Maddie and Max

This is one of my favorite photos - it started with Mateo wanting a hot dog, then Lucia, then Max and then Maddie was like "why not"

This is another favorite - a hot dog - eatin'- gang

And of course the day ends with a little meditation around the kid-captivating iPad

Mateo Makes a Treat for Ms. Josie's Class

So one of the requests Mateo keeps asking is to host a special day for his class. Unfortunately, Papi and I have not been able to make that happen soon enough. Fortunately, Navita planned to play substitute while we got our act together. She dropped off Lucia at Alma's and went to Mateo's school to make treats for the class.

Ms. Josie and Mateo

The treat of the day was cookies and ice cream so they could make ice cream sandwiches

After special treat day, Mateo had a special play date. Not only did Lucas come over to play, but so did Matthew and Caroline

Not to miss out on all the action, Lucia caught everything from the box seats

M&L Go to FAO Schwartz Friends & Family

Today was the day for the FAO Friends and Family event. What is that you ask? Well it is when they shut down the main FAO store in NYC for the friends and family members of employees. Tio Cesar invited us last year and brought us back again this year.

We arrived and took a snack break by the Make n' Break station

A little conversation next to Hello Kitty

Lucia took to hiding all over the store. First behind the life-sized Lego sculpture of Indiana Jones

And then in the Ninjago shelves

This gives you an idea of the chaos Little Miss was causing. Shortly after this photo was taken a store associate came to straighten up.

She loved rolling around on this. It is a rolling suitcase for toys that can be pulled pushed or even taken for a ride

M&M kids

And of course the classic picture, with the Toy soldier

"Thanks Tio Cesar...You have the best job ever!"

M&L Go to Aiden's Housewarming Party

Today Mateo and Lucia headed to the Kender's (Ant, Tara and Aiden) new place for a housewarming party. As is always true with the Kenders, the food and company were delicious.

Lucia is perplexed with all of the new toys

Mateo checked out the garage and the backyard

The man (boy) of the house, Aiden

Aiden and Lucia drum together

And are joined by lots of kids in the play annex

Lucia's favorite spot turned out to be Aiden's crib...I think it reminded her a little of home