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)

From Babies to Buddies

Mommy can't believe how quickly her babies are growing up.  Without any warning, Ysabella and Anthony surprised Mommy with spontaneous adult-like sibling love.  

Anthony, arms outstretched, "Hi Bella"

Ysabella, smiling and reaching for him, "Hi Anthony"

Then,....

With mild prompting from Mommy and very little resistance the embrace grew to true sibling love.

 

The hugs weren't over for the night when the two decided a tighter squeeze was necessary. 

 

And even when distracted with a video, the love between Ysabella and Anthony would not stop.

 

Mommy loves seeing her babies getting along so well and hopes this is a good sign for the future.

 

Always love each other, little Nicastros... you are the only sibling each of you will ever have 

(Daddy guarantees it)

Keep capturing these moments Mommy, cuz we won't stay like this forever!!!

XoXoX

Grand Opening

Most neighborhood pools open over Memorial Day weekend, but in order to bring you the very best, the Nicastro Neighborhood Pool opened a week later.  Not only do we offer crystal blue waters and vast facilities, the Nicastros aim to please, and offer a variety of activities and classes.  Daddy (formerly known as basketball camp counselor), is the resident swim instructor that offers private or group lessons.  Here, he demonstrates his natural teaching skills and brilliant doggie paddle technique. 

 

After a proper warm up, Anthony is ready to prove what he has learned....

 

 ...water in the face isn't too bad (once you learn to keep your mouth shut and not inhale!) Even more enjoyable for Anthony was learning to relax/float on his back.

 

 The Nicastro Pool also offers other activities from our numerous and highly qualified instructors.

 Introducing, Ysabella Sophia....

 

... the best water aerobics instructor this side of the Mason Dixon!

 

 

Anthony, (when not improving his swimming skills) also teaches at the Nicastro Pool.  His expertise? Catch.

 

 

  

As you can see, all of our highly trained instructors strive to continue their own education in order to provide everyone with great learning experiences. Here we see Ysabella brushing up on basic swimming/kicking skills. 

 

Other fabulous amenities at the Nicastro Neighborhood Pool include:

A state of the art sound system

 

 

Kiddie Pool (most popular during adult swim)

 

World Class Snack Bar (cash only)

 

 And best of all, a place to lay your head when the sun has worn you out!

 Here's to good, sunshiny pool weather, Nicastros! And remember, the happiest companies (families) are ones that work and play as a team!!

xoxox