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? ;)