M&L Cool Off

Summer time has come in with a vengeance. Record high temperatures in the Northeast means Hoboken kids have to come up with different ways to keep cool while still having fun. I think the Vielot-Gonzalez kids have it covered.

Miss Lucia is prepared with sandals, sunblock, sun hat and cool drink

And when the heat is just too unbearable, a quick stop at the water park is sure to keep you cool

Lucia's On My Own

So now that Miss Lucia is approaching 2, there are a lot more kiddie classes that are open to her. Some of these classes are actually drop off classes. Yes, that's right folks, Lucia is now at the age for drop-off. I guess we don't have a baby anymore.

Lucia (with sunscreen face) plays with the puzzles in the waiting area at Romparoo

No parents allowed in the kids room. Lucia ran in and barely looked back. Bye, bye little one.

The Gonzalez Jazz Band

Most people know that Mateo is taking piano lessons, but some people may not know that Papi used to be in the band during high school; he played the saxophone. While that was not normally the coolest club to be in during high school, I have to admit that I do love the sax and apparently so do Mateo and Lucia.

Mateo is a natural

And so is Miss Lucia

Mateo Teaches Lucia

This morning we got up and let Papi sleep in for a little. After breakfast we listened to some music and the kids played with some of their toys. Lucia was really interested in playing with some stacking blocks so I took them down for her and went to go do something in the kitchen. When I got back I saw something so special and tender that it made me happy for the rest of the day.

Mateo guiding his sister

M&L Head to Water Park

Another day, another water park. Today Mateo and Lucia headed to a fun one in downtown Hoboken. A very cool way to cool off in the summer.

It doesn't matter if there is sand, a shovel and pail are always a great summer accessory

Mateo is simply delighted

"Woohoo!"

Nothing like a sibling hug to help warm you up after a day in the sprinklers

Ok so maybe a hug and some food

M&L Get a Boost

So most people know that I have the great benefit of getting great product from my work for the kitchen. Well, now that we have a kids line I also get to regularly test out new products for the kiddies to enjoy. Ever since we moved Mateo from a high chair to a regular chair he has been in the "in-between" height which is tall enough to sort of eat at the table, but not tall enough to be able to properly eat or write at the table. We have been wanting to get him a big boy booster for a while and today we lucked out.

Mateo taking his new OXO booster seat for a sit

Of course when Miss Lucia spotted it she wanted to have a turn

And of course, she got what she wanted "Victory is mine!"

M&L July 4th 2011

Today is the 4th of July. The joyous day for which we celebrate our nation's independence. It is the time for celebration through fireworks and good BBQ. The Vielot-Gonzalez clan packed a bag and headed over to Aba and Abu's house to start the celebration.

What is there not to love about the raucous occasion?

Apparently some of us need to nap before celebrating the raucous occasion

But once we do...we are ready to roll

Lazaro, Patricia, Tio Cesar and Tia Stacie also came over to celebrate

But alas, just as it started to get dark, the crankiness set in and it was time to go. Luckily for us we got a great view of the fireworks on our drive back home to Hoboken.

Happy Birthday USA!