Christian's 2nd Birthday Party

My Sister's son Christian turned 2 yesterday and we celebrated with friends and family at my parents house.

The adorable 8 month olds hanging out.. they are third cousins!

My Mother and my baby. 

My Sister, Cousin Nancy and My daughter and I took a photo together before it got crazy ;) 

Daddy Duty

Little Princess

Parachute!

Blow out the candle!

Mickey Mouse was a hit for the kids.. 

Hanging out with Nonno eating cake and cupcakes

This is how it was pretty much the whole party.. 

Happy Birthday Baby Boy.. We love you so much! 

Happy Christmas- From my family to yours 2014

Happiness is this, peace in our hearts. Hope your Christmas was a joyous one.
Love,
Val

Christmas Eve 2014 in Mendham NJ

For the fourth year in a row we celebrated Christmas Eve at my sister's in-law's house in Mendham, New Jersey.

                           Right before our Seven fish dinner.

                                                                ~ My Sisters ~

   

                                           Opening the children's presents

            My Father in his new Christmas shirt and his Grandson

                In the Italian culture you open gifts at midnight

  My Sister's Elegant Mother-in-law Leila dressed in her dance recital costume designed after Elsa from Frozen's dress.

Time to go to sleep- Goodnight and Merry Christmas

Santa Clause Train in Whippany NJ

This year was my first time on the Santa Clause Train. We took Anastasia and her my brother, sister, and a family friend brought their families as well. It was such a cute little excursion. 

The Whippany, NY Railroad Museum does this event for families every year, along with others. 

We took the 10 mile long ride, that goes from Whippany, NJ to Roseland, NJ and back to Whippany.

We sat in the Club Cars which dates back to the 1930's. I thought that was cool, as I never rode in a train that old. It would be nice if our trains had that much charm these days.

The Blue Car is the Club Car, the oldest train on the line.
 

Kisses before we go :)

Christian and Anastasia of course holding hands, so much love on the train.

My baby and I. She makes everything fun and exciting.

They had a clown on the train. They also give cookies out for $2 each, then one of Santa's Helpers comes out. There is no food or drinks served on the train besides that.

Looking out the window.. there goes the choo-choo train.

My brother Dante loves his family time too.

Santa has arrived! If you notice the little boy is terrified. ahaha

Of course Anastasia is afraid of Santa.

Santa is giving gifts.

I thought this was interesting! "Spitting is Forbidden".

Overall, it was really cute for the kids. I think they would go on next year. We might wait a year or two to go back on. But it's a definite must experience on the Club Car.  Go to http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/eventstickets/santa-claus-special for more information.

Merry Holidays :)

Christmas Kiddie Party

I haven't sat on Santa's lap since 2003. My oh my how times flies, but of course you need a good reason to sit on his lap, don't you? :) Anastasia wouldn't go near Santa without Mommy there. So here I am sitting on Santa's lap.

^^ The kids waiting for Santa around the tree

                ^^ He was there too.

            ^^^ Yep it was this kind of tree :)

                           ^^ Santa's Helper loves his Uncle. I thought Santa's helpers were a little bigger!;)

^^ The lovely hostess of the evening.

^^ Pizza Time. Stasi got a kick of sitting around the table with Christian and Arianna. 

         ^^ Mark, Luke and Kevin say "Cheers" to Santa

       Sis got a new haircut. ;)

    Sissy-in-law enjoying her alone time.. 5 minutes that is.

         ^^^ Santa is here!

   ^^ He's calling out names to give presents. How exciting, not for Anastasia! She was scared. :(

    ^^ Love these cuties.

     ^^ Stasi got a Piggy Bank.. She calls her Peppa.

     ^^ The Mommies and I. Love these girlies.

       ^^ Play Time with Auntie Lauren! 

I love this time of year simply for the reasons of these times. The spirits are high and we all feel truly blessed to have one another. Merry Christmas :)