We will be having new countertops installed and I have done some
research regarding my options. I've found that different websites have
different information so I was hoping someone who has had actual
experience with these materials could help me.

I originally wanted granite because I was under the impression it was
low maintenance but the more I read, the more I am finding out it
stains easily. Is this true? I cook with olive oil a lot, and we have
kids who are constantly spilling the juice etc.. Is granite not a good
option for me? Wouldnt the seal protect the granite from stains? How
much does it cost to reseal and how often do you do this?

I'm also looking into silestone (there are other similar brands). I
understand that while it resembles granite a lot, it does not have the
same depth and gloss that granite would have. On the flip side, it
doesnt require the same maintenance and it is nonporous and wont stain.
It has a lot of the same hardness qualities of granite but the heat
resistance is less (I never put hot pans on the counter anyway).