Papal Audience

Good morning, Rome!

We were up with the sun on Wednesday morning to get in line at St. Peter's Square for the Papal Audience.

 After waiting for about 45 minutes in line, we scooted by the crowd to the special seating area right up front.  

 Hanging out with sweet Camden

 Showing our American pride!

 Here he is!  

The excitement in the crowd when Pope Francis arrived was amazing!

 Kissing a baby

 Papa Francesco!

 Finding Pope Francis in the crowd of people

Our view as he arrived in the front

 Speaking about the Holy Spirit

 Welcoming some distinguished guests afterwards

A Special Visit To Saint Peter's Square

After arriving in Rome on Tuesday evening, we hurried over to Saint Peter's Square for a special photo session with Emma in her First Communion Dress. The square was all set up for Wednesday's Papal Audience, but we got some memorable snapshots of our favorite little girl!

First Communion and Mom's Day Celebration

We had a little fiesta in honor of Emma and Mom's Day after Mass on Sunday.  Another HUGE thanks to photographer friend extraordinaire, Lara, for snapping all these pictures.

Herky's spot for the party

 Nate, Terry, and Chris hanging out by the grill

 Melissa, Cathy, Staci, and I soaking up some sunshine while Emma and Orion EZ Roll around the pool

 Nate, Chris, Ron, and Chris

 Emma and her special cake, made by dad

 Lara was Emma's teacher last year and I am Thomas' teacher this year  

Moms, kids, teachers, students, friends!

 Cheers to an amazing day!

 Who needs water in the pool to play Marco Polo?  Not these guys!

 Liam, Camden, Ellie, Savannah, Emma, Orion, Matt, and Thomas

 A gorgeous cross necklace from Babi & Pops

 Wow!  Money!

 More gifts...a prayer book from Nana & Grandpa

 A parting shot from the summer JC Penney catalog.  Judi, Abby, Melissa, and I were color coordinated  at the party. :)

Emma's First Communion

Sunday, May 12, 2013 will go down in the Kasparek family history books as one of the most memorable Mother's Days of all time.  Emma celebrated her First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful day in Naples and we were blessed to have so many friends there to share Emma's special day.

Father Dan and Emma

Camden patiently waiting for pictures to finish

 Family Picture

 Photographer Camden takes a picture of us

Best Buddies: Emma and Meagan

Emma after Mass-one happy girl!

 A little sibling love :)

First Communion Photo Shoot

Friday after school our wonderful friend, teacher, and photographer, Lara, took some pictures of Emma in her First Communion outfit.  I could have posted a hundred pictures from the photo shoot, but here are a few favorites...

We stopped by the Naples High School Wildcat Girls' Soccer team practice and got a few snapshots with the players (and our favorite coach).

 I get this sneaky look over the glasses quite often...

 I have know idea why people say Emma looks like me... :)