Spring Break

Spring Break is here and no one is happier than Daddy!  This year is a bit different in two ways: 1. Mommy is home for the entire week to hang out and 2. It snowed almost 4 inches!!  Snow is still a bit foreign to Ysabella and Anthony which is why Ysabella has to practice her shoveling technique.

Next Ysabella prepares for a snowball fight.

Unfortunately, Ysabella's skills are no match for Daddy's years of experience in the snow.

 Gotcha!

 

Keep practicing and trying new things, Nicastros! One day Daddy might even let you beat him!!

 

 

Happy Spring!!

Early Spring?

March normally brings spring-like weather down here in VA, but this week it brought our first real snowfall of the year! Mommy and Daddy had the day off which is perfect for playing out in the snow... after the proper preparations, of course.

 

Daddy worked on shoveling the driveway while Ysabella and Anthony played amongst the powder.

 

Ysabella seemed to enjoy herself. But Anthony was less enthusiastic.

 

 

Luckily, all Anthony needed to lift his spirits was something to push or pull.  

 

Then it was time to enjoy the ride!

  

Unfortunately, this powder was much less light and fluffy than it was extremely heavy and very wet.  Before we knew it the whole family was inside getting warm and snuggling by the fire.

 

Spring's warmth is right around the corner, little Nicastros...

Keep enjoying life's, sometimes brief, but always memorable moments.

 

Makayla's Many Hats

Mommy took Ysabella and Anthony to visit our friends, the Cassella's.  We always enjoy seeing Makayla and we finally had a chance to get to know their newest addition, Vinny, a little bit better.  

 

One thing the kids look forward to is playing with some new toys.  Today it was playing dress up with hats!

 

"How do I look, Makayla?

Unfortunately for Ysabella, Makayla may have masked her true feelings.

 

Once Anthony wanted to get in on the action... the good stuff began to come out.

 

Ysabella even knew which team hat she was wearing (good work, Daddy)

All in all, it was a good morning. 

And pretty soon it won't take 50 shots to get a decent picture of them all together! Right?!

**Video can only be seen on the actual website**

Ysabella on Fire?

Ysabella has been known to love music and singing.  She has become an expert at your typical childhood favorites....until now.  Anthony has also grown and learned some more "intricate" movements.

Look out Alicia Keys, you may have some competition! (Once Ysabella gets over her stage fright and learns to project her voice a bit more!)

Keep singing and jumping little Nicastros!

When I Grow Up....

Mommy and Daddy want to make sure the kids know they can be anything they want when they get older.  Mommy took today's dress up activity as an opportunity to explore some options.  Recently, both Ysabella and Anthony have enjoyed playing chef... "what can I get ya?" 

Anthony also tried being a chef, but preferred being out of the kitchen.

 

Anthony knew it was time to try a different career.  Have you seen any job openings for a Royal Chef?

 

Ysabella's next option was an 80's-esque pop star.

 

But Mommy, suggested that those jobs might be filled already.  Perhaps a semi-nerdy-but-in-a-good-way physician assistant could be a great option. 

Mommy and Daddy know that they have some time before careers choices really become a reality.  For now, they will enjoy the time they have and wish only for happy and healthy children.

Even if their fashion choices seem suspect. 

Keep sharing those toys, little Nicastros, and always keep searching for happiness!!

Stage Dad

We all know that the Nicastros try to lead healthy and active lives. So when Ysabella showed a lot of interest in the family treadmill, Daddy was happy to oblige.  Walking slowly was best for Mommy's nerves.

 

 

Mommy thinks her smile really shows she enjoys exercise but somehow signaled to Daddy she wanted to go faster. (Please Note: Videos can only be seen by visiting the acutal blog website)

Mommy's nerves got some exercise when it became Anthony's turn to try it out.

 

Especially when Daddy amped up the intensity of the workouts.

Seems like Daddy has high expectations for Ysabella and Anthony to be Olympic athletes.  Mommy will be sure to only allow "stage dad" behavior if there is a  serious contract po$$ibility.

Stay Healthy Nicastros,... as Ysabella says, exercise "makes your heart beat fast", which can only mean it's more able to love.

Siblings for LIFE

Ysabella and Anthony have finally realized that they are stuck with each other as brother and sister for life.  This means that they should really learn to embrace the bond as much as possible.

 

Even if it means dressing alike

 

 

Ysabella, in particular, is working on a skill many of us also have trouble with.... sharing.

"No, Anthony, I don't want you in the basket"

 

The good thing for Mommy and Daddy is that both of the Nicastro kids can be easily distracted.

"Smile for the camera"

 

Mommy and Daddy are pretty sure Anthony has a smile in there somewhere.

Remember Nicastros, 'Tis the season for family.... oh, and Elfie is always watching!!