'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving with the Nicastros was very relaxing and enjoyable.  The day before proved exciting with a visit from Jack Frost - who brought this year's first snow.  Ysabella enjoyed watching the flakes fall while warm and cozy indoors. 

The next morning, on Thanksgiving day, we all participated in a Turkey Trot! Some worked harder than others (or sat in a stroller) but we all enjoyed getting exercise before food and lounging. 

After watching the parade on TV (Philly, not Macy's), we headed to Nona's for a feast.  While Mommy and Daddy watched football (hogging the TV), Ysabella and Anthony began getting ready for Christmas with a holiday video. 

The rest of the weekend was beautiful and productive.  We all helped get the house ready for the holidays.  Mommy and Ysabella decorated and Anthony and Daddy took care of the yard. 

Anthony was a very willing helper, trying to be just like his Daddy.  Can't you see the resemblance?

Finally the weekend was over, but not before picking out and decorating our Xmas tree.  The kids did a wonderful job, don't you think?

Happy Holidays from the Nicastros!

Remember little Nicastros, Elfie is on his way!

Nicastro Ninja Warriors

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first ever Nicastro Ninja Warrior event.  Much like American Ninja Warrior (a popular television show for some),  the Nicastro kids attempt to conquer the ninja warrior course in hopes of becoming the ultimate Nicastro Ninja Warrior.  Our two contestants begin on the start platform with determination in their eyes and smiles on their faces.

Ysabella is the first competitor to attempt this course.  She begins on the double rainbow ladder.

Successfully carrying on, she bravely climbs on the platform to reach her next obstacle...

... the traditional monkey bars. 

It is here that we lose Ysabella in the competition, falling, unable to maintain her grip strength.  In a fit of frustration and disappointment she attempts to show her strength by flipping a massive tire.

Once the excitement from Ysabella's "tantrum" dies down it is Anthony's turn to tackle the obstacle course.  Breezing through the double rainbow ladder he reaches the monkey bars.  Clearly, they are no threat to him as he completes this stage.

Next he quickly climbs the slippery slide to reach yet another obstacle.

With lightning speed, Anthony zips down the fire pole. We will have to go to instant replay in order to capture just how quickly and with perfect execution he completes the part of the course.

Using all of his upper arm strength and balance he carries on climbing up the single bar stairway.

Showing no fatigue, Anthony nears the end of the course.  Only two more elements stand in his way of victory. The chain ladder where many competitors get tangled up...

and the curly, swirly elevator.

Carefully, he navigates the curly, swirly elevator until he makes a tentative reach for the final platform...

....Did he make it!?

Of course, he did!! Congratulations Anthony Francis for becoming the first (and probably last) Nicastro Ninja Warrior!!

Always use safety equipment and as Mommy likes to repeat,"Be Careful", little Nicastros.

Remember, you may be fearless, but Mommy's heart stops with each "daredevil" move!

Princess Dance Party

Ysabella had her very first dance class today, thanks to Nona and Poppy.  She was very excited to learn new dance moves but she probably was most excited to dress like a ballerina. 

A beautiful ballerina is always coordinated and of course well stretched.

Soon they princesses were dressed and ready to Chassé across the floor.

Finally, it was time for pirouettes.  Ysabella tried really hard and veered all around the room.  

She spent so much time trying to get to the end of the room (by swerving from side to side) dizziness took its hold.  

After a necessary rest the class was complete.  Ysabella can't wait to return next week.  But we will be sure to work on our spotting.

Keep trying new things, little Nicastros. Practice makes perfect. And remember, always keep your eye on the prize (or a stable spot on the wall across the room).

 XOXOX

Next week.... Soccer! 

The Battle of Manassas

Most people (okay, maybe only historians) may think of the civil war when it comes to the Battle of Manassas.  For the Nicastro family, it was the greatest impromptu 1.5 mile race at the Battlefield they've ever experienced.  Mommy and Daddy wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather and "hike" the Battlefield.  Ysabella and Anthony had a different idea and took off running immediately.

Soon Mommy and Daddy realized they would have to join in if they wanted to keep up!

They started off strong and really enjoyed being chased by Mommy and Daddy.

Ysabella showed us the proper way to check on those running behind you (for safety reasons of course - most definitely not to assure she was still in first place)

Of course we got tired, (no marathons completed in this family, yet)... which created the perfect opportunity to smell the flowers.

Or enjoy a photo op... 

There was also plenty of quality family time enjoyed by all.

Mommy even got out from behind the camera (phone) to smile for pictures.

Ysabella seems to have a knack for running and didn't stop but for a second. Anthony had a tougher time keeping up...

Mommy and Daddy love to teach about the value of exercise and turned down his many attempts at being carried.  Holding hands is a very good alternative (at least for Mommy and Daddy). Once the run was over Ysabella became very adventurous...

Anthony reluctantly joined and held onto Daddy very snugly.  Good thing he had the beautiful scenery to distract him.

All in all, it was a great activity on a gorgeous day and everyone had a wonderful time.  Oh, who won the great battle?

All of us, of course!!!

Keep up the good sportsmanship, little Nicastros.

And remember, if there were a real race (especially trails) you will all eat Mommy's dust!!

xo:)xo

Best Weekend Ever!

This weekend was jam packed with fun, family and activities.  Mommy and Daddy were sad to have a quiet, empty house. Thankfully, they didn't have much time to dwell on it before they fell asleep.  It all started with Ysabella's 4th Birthday Celebration.

Tangled was the theme and long hair was mandatory (for most).

The celebration seemed never ending as the good times carried on into Mother's Day.  Most of the family (we missed a few people very  much) gathered at a nearby park for a cookout where we enjoyed food...

   

...and Nonas...

...and Grandmas...and sunbathing...

... and streams...

...and playing in streams...

...and playing in dirt...  and best friends cousins...

... and relaxing/chatting by dirt...

... and most of all being together.  Mommy says it was the best weekend ever and she couldn't have had a better time.  All this playing, eating, and excitement left four little kids and quite a few adults very tired. Luckily, we have until next year to rest up for the next jam packed birthday/mother's day weekend.  

So rest up, little Nicastros, this weekend will be hard to top.

And Thank You, for such a special Mother's Day to remember. 

xoxox

Birthday Biker

Today Ysabella turned 4!! And to welcome her to the next year, Mommy and Daddy got her a brand new bicycle.  She hasn't stopped talking about it all morning and finally got a chance to take it out for a spin. 

Whew, those hills can be tough! Soon enough, after a solid unplanned dismounting, she was cruising down the street.

Piggy had to come along for the ride, though it looks like he doesn't mind.

Four must really agree with Ysabella because she is almost good at sharing with her brother - who isn't too bad at peddling with his toes. 

 Mommy and Daddy can't believe their baby is already four years old.  She is growing up too quickly but make us so proud at what she is capable of and what a great little girl she as become. 

Leave 'Three' behind, Ysabella. We wish you the happiest of  4th birthdays and remember during your next year,...enjoy the ride! 

xoxox

New 'Do

Now that we have consistently warmer weather, it's time for some fresh spring-y changes.  Daddy is a master at changing his appearance and is teaching his children the skills of a new look.  Mommy has finally let go of the little old man part for Anthony.  It is time for the young and vibrant buzz cut, courtesy of Daddy!

Once the itching began and Anthony noticed the recent clothing trend, ...it was officially the hour of shirtless men...

Even Ysabella got in on the fun. (No, not the shirtless part, she is a lady,... the haircutting!)

Next it was Daddy's turn. First comes the cape... it goes right through the jugular, right Anthony?

The comes the clippers

Careful not to miss any part of this activity, Ysabella was there for quality control.  Don't worry Ysabella, Anthony didn't cut Daddy's hair too short, it's called male pattern baldness (Thanks Poppy)!

In the end, we had two very handsome Nicastros with fresh cuts for the coming summer.

Keep helping each other out, little Nicastros

And remember,... never point out other people's flaws, right Daddy? ;)