Photogenic

Mommy wanted to use her "fancy" camera again to capture the faces of her two greatest loves.  Naturally, Ysabella and Anthony wouldn't sit still.  This only led to Mommy working extra hard for a good shot.  It's a good thing she is persistent and can put up with faces like this.

  "Are you talkin' to me?"

When Ysabella isn't prompted to smile, she actually has a non-scrunched pleasant appearance! 

Anthony wanted to show off his stature and balancing act.... "Biiiiiig Boy!!"

 

And he can't suppress his joy when watching his big sister,  Ysabella. 

 

Well, I guess that's all there is to candid camera... oh and goodbye!!

 

Blowing kisses never looked so sweet.

 

Driving Mr. Anthony

 Ysabella and Anthony are trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer temperatures. Today Ysabella was teaching Anthony all about driving the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.  Thankfully, he was able to learn the basics up close and personal in the trailer. (Thanks Uncle Jude)

 

With the basics mastered, it was time for the 'practical experience' to begin.  If only the instructor didn't take up so much seat room!

 

Driving lessons turned out to be a great time, even with a pesky back seat driver peering over your shoulder.

 

  

Buckle up Nicastros, life sure can be one wild ride.

The Daily Grind

 Things with the Nicastros have been anything but routine these days.  The entire summer has been a myriad of travel, moving, job changes, and other mayhem.  But one thing is for certain, its time to get back to the normal routine.  What does that mean?  It's back to Nona and Poppy's "Cozy Den" while Daddy goes back to school.

 

Ysabella and Anthony are also adjusting to life in a brand new house.  The yard may be smaller and there may be many more neighbors... but now we have SWINGS! (And a small "tot lot" nearby!)

 

 The kids don't seem phased by these changes,... Ysabella has no trouble loving her toys ALL OVER the house.

 

And Anthony has found his new spot on the floor to enjoy his bottle.

Any other great things to enjoy when settling back into a routine?

Bubbles in the bathtub!

 

And when life gets too much to handle, there is always Mommy's arms.

 

Happy Back to School, Daddy. We hope this year is a great one!

XO5OX

Two Dollar Tuesday

It's that time of year again,... the Prince William County Fair.  Every year we go as a family to check out the fair scene, eat some greasy food, and see some farm animals.  

"Where is the fair, Daddy?"

 

Ysabella and Anthony had plenty to see.  Lights, people, animals and rides!  This is the first year that Ysabella is tall enough to ride the rides. She wasn't shy about telling us which ones were worth her time. 

"I wanna go on dat one, Daddy"

 

 

She even enjoyed being on the rides all alone.

 

Where was Anthony's ride? Right here of course!

 

 

After attempting to sit down for a moment and eat, Ysabella was off and running to her very own brand new house.  Good thing for Mommy and Daddy, it was a rental, so no need for another mortgage!

 

 

Of course we stopped for Mommy's obligatory photo op

 

And the fair is never complete without some animals!

 

 

Until next year, County Fair.  

And don't forget the hand sanitize, little Nicastros! 

Have Pool - Will Travel

Once again the Nicastros have been traveling and seemingly very busy.  With Daddy off for the summer we took advantage and hit the road.  First we traveled to upstate New York.  Frankfort to be exact, the best "little Italy" you can find, filled with family and great memories.

 

 

Ysabella got a lesson in makeup, while Aunt Kelley "put on her eyes".

 

And Great Grandpa provided Anthony with tips on proper cane handling.

  

Lindsay showed us, first hand, her skills with cupcakes.

"Yummy in my Tummy"

 

 And certainly, we brought the pool.

 

The cousins got to know each other a little better.

 

And Aunt Dominique held an impromptu story time.

 

 

Next we traveled to South Carolina to see Ryan and Whitney Passante.  They recently bought a  house and were nice enough to let us fill the rooms with noise and mischief for a few days.

 

In both places we visited playgrounds which reminded us of home.

 

And in the end, we had a great time and we loved seeing new places and faces,...

 

... but we sure did need a nap!  

Fatherly Love

Daddy is off for the summer which means he is home all day, every day. This summer break is a little bit different than recent years but who can complain when there is so much love being spread around.

Brotherly Love

Mommy grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, so she knows a little bit about "Brotherly Love".  It must be genetic because Ysabella is learning to be more social and playful with other kids. And Anthony is beginning to exhibit signs that he understands the concept as well.  

Even if only for a short time.  

Another lesson learned for the Nicastros,... cherish the time with loved ones.... while it lasts :)