Makayla's Many Hats

Mommy took Ysabella and Anthony to visit our friends, the Cassella's.  We always enjoy seeing Makayla and we finally had a chance to get to know their newest addition, Vinny, a little bit better.  

 

One thing the kids look forward to is playing with some new toys.  Today it was playing dress up with hats!

 

"How do I look, Makayla?

Unfortunately for Ysabella, Makayla may have masked her true feelings.

 

Once Anthony wanted to get in on the action... the good stuff began to come out.

 

Ysabella even knew which team hat she was wearing (good work, Daddy)

All in all, it was a good morning. 

And pretty soon it won't take 50 shots to get a decent picture of them all together! Right?!

**Video can only be seen on the actual website**

Ysabella on Fire?

Ysabella has been known to love music and singing.  She has become an expert at your typical childhood favorites....until now.  Anthony has also grown and learned some more "intricate" movements.

Look out Alicia Keys, you may have some competition! (Once Ysabella gets over her stage fright and learns to project her voice a bit more!)

Keep singing and jumping little Nicastros!

When I Grow Up....

Mommy and Daddy want to make sure the kids know they can be anything they want when they get older.  Mommy took today's dress up activity as an opportunity to explore some options.  Recently, both Ysabella and Anthony have enjoyed playing chef... "what can I get ya?" 

Anthony also tried being a chef, but preferred being out of the kitchen.

 

Anthony knew it was time to try a different career.  Have you seen any job openings for a Royal Chef?

 

Ysabella's next option was an 80's-esque pop star.

 

But Mommy, suggested that those jobs might be filled already.  Perhaps a semi-nerdy-but-in-a-good-way physician assistant could be a great option. 

Mommy and Daddy know that they have some time before careers choices really become a reality.  For now, they will enjoy the time they have and wish only for happy and healthy children.

Even if their fashion choices seem suspect. 

Keep sharing those toys, little Nicastros, and always keep searching for happiness!!

Stage Dad

We all know that the Nicastros try to lead healthy and active lives. So when Ysabella showed a lot of interest in the family treadmill, Daddy was happy to oblige.  Walking slowly was best for Mommy's nerves.

 

 

Mommy thinks her smile really shows she enjoys exercise but somehow signaled to Daddy she wanted to go faster. (Please Note: Videos can only be seen by visiting the acutal blog website)

Mommy's nerves got some exercise when it became Anthony's turn to try it out.

 

Especially when Daddy amped up the intensity of the workouts.

Seems like Daddy has high expectations for Ysabella and Anthony to be Olympic athletes.  Mommy will be sure to only allow "stage dad" behavior if there is a  serious contract po$$ibility.

Stay Healthy Nicastros,... as Ysabella says, exercise "makes your heart beat fast", which can only mean it's more able to love.

Siblings for LIFE

Ysabella and Anthony have finally realized that they are stuck with each other as brother and sister for life.  This means that they should really learn to embrace the bond as much as possible.

 

Even if it means dressing alike

 

 

Ysabella, in particular, is working on a skill many of us also have trouble with.... sharing.

"No, Anthony, I don't want you in the basket"

 

The good thing for Mommy and Daddy is that both of the Nicastro kids can be easily distracted.

"Smile for the camera"

 

Mommy and Daddy are pretty sure Anthony has a smile in there somewhere.

Remember Nicastros, 'Tis the season for family.... oh, and Elfie is always watching!! 

 

Please Touch Museum

Its not often that we go somewhere out of the house that touching things is acceptable. So, when we went to Philly for Thanksgiving, the Please Touch Museum was a must!

Not only did we learn to drive, but there were plenty of other thing to see, do and even be!

Once we conquered the Statue of Liberty it was onto the water tables, where all kinds of floating things could be seen and moved, including the good old fashion rubber duckie.

We carried on through the rainforest of sounds to the carosel for a great family picture, right Anthony?

And back to the rainforest for a ride on the elephant and another photo opportunity!

The lower level had a small town with its own shopping center and hospital. "

Is this how you do it at work," Mommy?

Not hearing much but Mommy's fake "thump-thump"ing, we moved onto checking for ear wax.

"All Clear!"

Finally a trip to McDonald's to ring up Grandma and Grandpa's buger order.

Phew, lots of fun creates grumbling bellys..... so it was off to Pat's King of Steaks to fill our belly's and round off our Thanksgiving traditions.

Happy eating Nicastro's, but watch your waistlines this holiday season. As you may know, "Health is our Greatest Wealth"

Lisence to Drive??

Over Thanksgiving, the Nicastro's took a drive to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  What Mommy and Daddy weren't prepared for was the kids trying to drive everything! (or whatever the museum had to test drive)

If Ysabella could reach the pedals...

 

...Daddy would have had a SEPTA bus facial!

Whoa, Ysabella, watch those turns! Grandma forgot her seatbelt!

Anthony sped away on his race car, as usual, without a care for what might lay ahead.

 

We steered a few ships (look, no hands!)

 

And even a classic trolley (look familiar Uncle Dave?) Good thing they are on a path of their own or Ysabella had better pay more attention!

 

And good work Anthony for picking up the slack.

Finally, we were excited to tell Poppy all about how we drove the mail truck! 

 

Tis' the season for giving thanks, even if it is in reference to children being far from 16 years of age!  Happy (late) Thanksgiving to all