Tree Trimming Tradition

This tree decorating stuff is pretty new to Daddy, so Mommy had to show him (and us!) the ropes.

We learned that we can decorate the tree any way we want (although it's likely Mommy will rearrange everything to her liking afterward.) But the most important Nicastro family tradition is that we get the shot of everyone reaching for the star.

'Tis the season!

Back to School

After missing a week of school, I was ready to see my friends and get back to my regular routine. It was our turn to host again, which made it an especially busy week for Mommy. 

I was slowly adjusting to coming back from vacation, so I mostly wanted to read books and cuddle with DogBunny this week.

But when I wasn't doing that, I was first in line for messy art projects, like foot and finger painting.

 I also really loved that Teacher Vickie brought some of her own toys, and left them at my house all week!

And now that Aiyana is a toddler, she likes to hang with the big kids. School at our house is a whole new experience for her and she LOVES it!

 

The best part was that we had two special guests (and Mommy had four extra hands) on Thursday--Daddy and Nona!

The Non-Beach Pics

The great thing about our vacation was that we didn't have to leave the resort. There was plenty to do, and Mommy and Daddy kept us busy and entertained.

I played Mommy in a game of Bocce ball and won! 

Daddy built us a fort while Mommy got pampered at the spa.

And Aiyana and I made friends with Daisy and Diego, the resident tigers.

 

We were all staying in one small room, so sleeping and napping was a bit tricky. I hung out quietly on the balcony watching videos and making paper boats, while Aiyana napped inside.

Tall glasses of lemonade kept us very happy for long stretches. At least until the bees started swarming.

 Aiyana and I kept each other laughing and smiling.

And we shared many a beautiful sunset right from our room.

 

More Great Beach Shots

We're back safely from Mexico, and if you can't tell by the pictures, we had a great time. But there's still so many more great pictures to share. Here are some of the best from the beach.

Oh wait, there's more...

And don't forget these...

We're glad to be back home, but oh Mexico, we sure do miss you!

Canal Tour and Crocodiles

My one request on this vacation was that we go on a boat. So we signed up for a crocodile-seeing canal tour. Just the thought of crocodiles frightens me (the pool has a crocodile-shaped water slide and I always steer clear of it), so a boat ride where I might see a crocodile was a bit of a risk. We ended being the only passengers on the early boat (one of the benefits of being up at the crack of dawn) so if I freaked out we could easily turn back toward the dock.

Turns out Aiyana and I loved the boat and were very relaxed.

We saw lots of huge iguanas warming up in the sun, and tons of pretty birds.

And one teeny tiny baby crocodile.

Actually, did you know that baby crocodiles are really, really soft? Neither did we. 

But now we do! This is 4-year-old Coco. Isn't she cute?