Hoop Dreams

We all know that Anthony is a sports lover, even though he hasn't seen many sports live.  This weekend Mommy brought the kids to watch Daddy "ball".  Ysabella spent her time running around with other kids while Anthony instantly became mesmorized.

Even with the other kids vying for his attention, Anthony could not be separated from the game.

He rested and watched Daddy run down the court...

...up the court...

 

And back down again.... and again.

Look out NBA, we think he is gonna be a tall one and we know he is definitely focused!

Remember little Nicastros, dream big because you can acheive anything!

Fall Festivities

Its time for a fresh start and a new season for the Nicastro Family. We all celebrated with the neighborhood festival designed specially for kids! Anthony and Ysabella saw their very first pony, which they learned is basically a tiny horse.

Anthony rode Buttercup...

And Ysabella rode Stormy.

After a pony ride, who can resist a large netted, bouncy house?

The kids also played halloween themed games including, "witch hat ring toss"

To all of our surprise, Ysabella actually got a ringer and won a prize (everyone gets a prize, but she did really toss the ring on the witches hat!)

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood and a great way to practice for 'trick or treat' ing.

Happy Fall and Families to all

And remember Nicastros, don't forget to stop and savor the donuts,... I mean moments.

XoXoX

Lake Anna: The Lost Footage

Our family trip to Lake Anna was so pleasant and enjoyed by all that more photos have to be shared.  Daddy was an active, yet secretive, photographer and so Mommy only recently found these "lost" pictures. Ysabella and Anthony's trepidation getting into the water was nicely captured here. As was Ysabella's ability to copy Mommy and drag Anthony in with her! 

They warmed up quickly but stayed close to Mommy or a safety line.

Mommy did everything she could to get Daddy in the water, even bribing him with these adorable faces... but no luck. We swam alone.

And so did Anthony.

But not Ysabella. She may have won the award for going the farthest out in the water, but always held tight to Mommy's hands. 

 Maybe next time the kids will be off on their own, but for now Mommy was pretty content having them stick close by.  

Lake Anna

It may have been overcast, but the Nicastro Family still had a wonderful day taking Ysabella and Anthony to Lake Anna.  This was the first time they have been to a beach or swam in open water.  After a few cries and awkward steps they made it to the waterfront to dip in their toes.

 

Immediately after testing the water, both Nicastro kids found the playground much more interesting.

 Especially the "swide"

After a lot of coaxing and a little bit of time the kids took to the water like fish.  When Nona and Poppy arrived Ysabella began doing her I went in the water dance or maybe its the I want to the go in the water again dance. Perhaps it's the fish out of water dance.... either way she was happy and her dancing skills need work.

 Soon it was time for a picnic lunch. Complete with boiled thermos hot dogs and pasta salad, lunch was delicious and filling.

 

And Nona would never forget dessert,  which Ysabella shared well.

 

Next it was back to the water.  With lots of help from Poppy, the kids had a fun lakeside "bathtub".

 

They also got some lessons from Daddy about fun, beachy sand activities.

 And saw how important it was to pack the wet sand in your bucket.

After trying again at building sand castles the kids could no longer resist the playground. 

 

 

And eventually we all had to say goodbye to the lake and what turned out to be a beautiful day.

 

Mommy and Daddy are thrilled that you loved the sand and water. 

Keep trying new things little Nicastros and remember you can still get sunburnt on an overcast day!

XoXoX

New Old Toys

 Ysabella and Anthony have such generous friends and family that Mommy and Daddy stash some toys away for later use.  Large, cardboard building blocks were the newest old toy to keep the kids occupied.  Ysabella began immediately using her imagination, "Look Mommy, a computer!"

Anthony practiced watchful waiting as he learned these blocks had more uses than being something to stand on...

...like making windows to look through (peek-a-boo!)

Mommy loved watching Ysabella using her imagination.  She also noticed other skills these blocks help to develop, such as concentration.

A steady hand.

 And determination.

"Look Mom, I did it!"

 

 

Anthony may have been impressed at the height of this new tower..

But he much more enjoyed watching it come down!

Always remember to play nice little Nicastros and Thanks Uncle Jude for the new old toy!

XOXOX

School is out for Summer

Most people know that summer means no school, but the best part of that concept is that the local elementary school has a wide open playground, or two!! Ysabella and Anthony took full advantage of being the only two kids around.  Luckily, they learned to work together, but only when necessary.

 

 Well, sorta. Neither of them had enough weight to make the teeter-totter go up and down without Mommy's help. But with smiles like these, who could say no?! 

 

Next, they explored the big kid swings with much success.  

 

Anthony held on very well, which calmed Mommy's heart.

 

And Ysabella pointed out, "Anthony doesn't know how to pump (his legs)."

 

 

Anthony was then determined to show Ysabella what he could do.  

Jumping

 

 

Climbing

  

And the fine art of Peek-a-boo

 

Then it was Ysabella's turn to show off.  

Long legs make this one easy, right Mommy?!

 

 

Hold on tight and swing! 

 

 

Sliding. "Wook Mom, no hands"

 

Soon it was time for lunch and we had to leave, but not before practicing our balance skills.

 

Way to work together Nicastros, you've learned a necessary skill for life. 

And remember, a little healthy competition only makes us stronger!

XoXoX

 

Maternal Instincts

Ysabella showed us her maternal instincts feeding her baby brother.  Mommy and Daddy couldn't resist all of the adorable nuances that she has picked up watching Mommy, Grandma, Nona, and Aunt Dominique.

Keep being a wonderful big sister to Anthony, Ysabella. Slow down the aging process please, Mommy and Daddy aren't ready for the birds and the bees talk yet!
(Video can only be seen on the actual website)