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!