Holiday Traditions

There are many traditions that center around the holidays, but Mommy's favorite is baking Christmas cookies.  This year Ysabella got a lesson in baking the Naeger holiday cookies with Mommy.  First and most important lesson, according to Mommy, is quality control (aka. taste testing).  Ysabella wasn't willing to taste any herself ("all done") but she learned quickly how to share with others.

Sometimes she was a little too willing to share.

Once the dough was all mixed up properly, we learned how to roll the dough out flat.  Not only was Ysabella a natural, she also seemed to really enjoy using the rolling pin.

The next step is choosing the proper cookie cutters, of course.

And finally cutting the cookies to the desired shape.

Where was Anthony through all of this?  He was right nearby in his swing.  Ysabella was very thoughtful to want to pick him up when he cried but she learned quickly that he was "too heavy". 

Though Anthony slept through most of cookie baking he really seems to understand just how tiring making so many delicious cookies can be.

And understands how good it feels to have them all baked to perfection.

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating Everyone!! 

Getting Back To It

Mommy has just started getting back in running shape and has been trying to get Ysabella and Anthony involved.  Ysabella prefers to avoid being in the stroller and likes to run all on her own.  

Anthony was happy to hear he was going out for a run and even enjoyed getting bundled up for the cold weather.

He has no choice but to be in the stroller.  Sometimes it can be hard to find him when he's in there.

Not only did Anthony behave well while running, he outlasted Mommy and didn't cry a peep the entire run.  

Though, maybe it was because he couldn't see how far they had gone.

"Elfie"

As the holidays approach we continue to learn about holiday traditions.  Recently we began having a special, daily visitor named "Elfie", our very own Elf on the Shelf.

As usual, Anthony shows mild to no interest, but at least he is awake! 

Ysabella searches for "Elfie" each morning and asks that he be put back to his original location.

She has also learned, "Don't touch him" or his magic will go away. 

Oops! Guess we are still working on following directions.

Good thing her smile melts our hearts or she would be in lots of trouble!!

Holiday Duet

Ysabella has been preparing for the holidays and is learning that Santa Clause is coming soon.  Nona has helped to bring out her newest talent... singing!

New Routine

This week Mommy went back to work, which means that Daddy, Ysabella, and Anthony have to get used to a new morning routine. 

Rise and Shine, Daddy!!

Mommy isn't too happy about going back to work, but it seems that Anthony is enjoying his time at Nona and Poppy's house.

We all know Nona and Poppy are loving being back in a routine and enjoying color time with Ysabella,

And nap time with Anthony 

(since his only other activities are eating and pooping)

We sure do miss being all together, but there is no better place to be than with family.

xoxox

A Beautiful Winter Day?

With the weather in VA being warmer than you would expect for December, Mommy was more than willing to take Ysabella and Anthony out for time in the sun.  Luckily our yard lends itself to exploration with lots of nooks and crannies to discover.  Anthony can't walk or keep his eyes open long so he relies on Ysabella to do the discovering for the both of them.  

And She's Off...

We started in the front yard and discovered our very own Christmas tree!!  Thankfully, we recently started learning about Santa Claus and the giving Christmas spirit so Ysabella knew what they looked like.  We wonder when Daddy is going to decorate it?  

Like most toddlers, Ysabella wasn't occupied long and found something else to catch her attention.

"Swing, peese?"

"Wee!!"

"What's Aninny doin'?"

Taking a nap in a soft bed of leaves, of course.

Then he points us in the direction of our next discovery.

The picnic table

Ysabella wants to eat "right here"... 

If only we had something to eat. Or somewhere to cook it. 

Gasp! It must be time to climb some stairs, repeatedly.

"Ysabella do it"

Soon Ysabella found the shed and her favorite yard object, Daddy's "tracta".  Daddy are you there?

All that was left to do was kick around the soccer ball to make Mommy proud.  Ysabella decided that dribbling NOT down her chin is an accomplishment. 

On such a beautiful day, it may have been the sun or that nap time was near because Ysabella actually wanted to hold her baby brother, Anthony.

And almost enjoyed it.

Happy Holiday Season Everyone.  Here's hoping for a white Christmas, but we will take the warmer weather for now. 

Holiday Travelers

Like many people this time of year, the Nicastro family hit the road for the long holiday weekend.  There were many miles to cover, people to see, and things to do.

First we went to visit Granma and Granpa where Mommy, Daddy, and Ysabella enjoyed fresh cool air, walking around the neighborhood.

Since Anthony can't walk just yet he enjoyed quality time relaxing by the fire

We even squeezed in time to meet one of Mommy's childhood friends, Andrea, and her 10 month old son, Nathan

Next it was on to Brooklyn, NY where we met our newest family addition, Aiyana Eden 

While Mommy and Daddy were busy holding Aiyana and playing with Zadia, Anthony was occupied with his Aunts, Uncles, and Nona and Poppy

We had a great trip and loved seeing our family and friends.  Soon enough the whole family will be together again for Christmas down in VA. See you there!

Thankful

It's Thanksgiving, the day we give thanks for all of our blessings.  Mommy and Daddy are thankful that the drive to Philly is over and Ysabella and Anthony are thankful for their first bath together 

For teacups in the tub



For soft and cozy towels

For food comas (most often seen after eating lots of turkey)

For games of Peek-A-Boo

And most of all for the family and friends that we couldn't live without!

Especially their loving hugs and kisses

Happy Thanksgiving to All of Our Beloved Family and Friends.  We are so thankful for your love, hugs and kisses!