The Nicastro Children's Basketball Camp

 As soon as the tot sized basketball hoop came home, the Nicastro Children's Basketball Camp was born.  This camp, held at the Nicastro Residence, begins every morning after breakfast.  Our camp director, counselor/instructor, and only employee, Daddy, shows the kids the basics of shooting the ball.

 The best part is that proper shooting form actually works!

 

Great Shot, Ysabella! (yes, she really made the shot...2 points!)

Not only do we practice basketball basics, we encourage important life skills for optimum growth and development.  Including, but not limited to...

 

 If you miss the first time, ... 

 

...try, try again.

 

We must always take turns, and wait patiently while we do it.

And most importantly, positive reinforcement keeps the kids in line and the coach happy!

 

 

Good workout little Nicastros, keep practicing and maybe Daddy's dream will come true.

And remember, those "two a days" (hard work) will only make you better and stronger!!

Unfortunately, camp enrollment has ended.  We are at maximum campers to counselor ratio.

California Dreaming

Ysabella and Anthony's favorite west coast uncle came out to DC for a family visit.  He also managed to squeeze in a little work into the visit as well,  but we only noticed the fun.  The evening he arrived we all enjoyed a special treat, ICE CREAM!

The next day, Mommy stayed home from work so she and Uncle Dave could picnic at a local park and watch us play on the playground.

Uncle Dave guarded the picnic bag (thanks Aunt Kelley and Uncle Ahmadu) while Ysabella showed off her climbing skills. 

Anthony managed to get himself down the curly slide a few times but was equally entertained by the mulch around the equipment.

After a fun filled day and much needed naps it was time to relax with a good book.

Reading quickly turned into silly time as Mommy and Uncle Dave took self portraits. "Look skinny everyone!"

In the end it was a quick but wonderful visit. 

Until next time, Uncle Dave, we love you!

Maybe soon we'll make it out to "Fransancisco".

xoxox 

We Left Our Hearts in Brooklyn

This Easter, Ysabella and Anthony went to NYC to celebrate and visit with their favorite cousins.  We all had so much fun it's no wonder why the kids talk about going back ASAP.  Ysabella and Zadia acted like no time had passed and went straight to catching up with "girl talk". 

Anthony and Aiyana spent their quality time vying for the same toys...

 

 

 ...Usually in the most dramatic fashion.

 

Ysabella enjoyed viewing the city from a unique perspective as we walked to Ysabella and Anthony's favorite place... the playground!

 

Anthony was fascinated by all the happenings of the playground.  Daddy prefers to think that Anthony has "Hoop Dreams"

Before we knew it, the time came to prepare for the Easter Bunny.  Aunt Dominique helped all the kids dye eggs.

 

Once the eggs were done and Easter was here, all the kids needed were their Easter dresses.

 

And who could forget their Easter accessories?

 

 

Everyone might have looked great for the holiday but the best part was being with family.

 

Thanks for the wonderful hospitality Brooklyn (and Doron Family), we miss you already.  No matter where we are, our hearts will be reaching out to you.

Family is Forever, little Nicastros.

XoXoX

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!