Kasparek Family Memories: July 2013

Beef Days Parade

After the race, it was time for the parade. Cole, Emma, and Camden collected heaping bags of candy (that they were kind enough to share with the rest of the family).

The Kasparek crew

Chris and Tim

Camden loved the tractors

I gladly hung out with Bailey in the shade

Could Casey and Tim be brothers? :)

The class reunion fun lasted well into the night, but we were up bright and early the next morning to join the whole family at the Solon Beef Days Run. Beef Days have a special meaning to the Kasparek family...41 years ago a young lady named, Marie met a young man named, Don there.

Camden, Emma, and Cole are ready for the kids' mile run to begin

Cheering on the runners with the cutest niece in the universe, Miss Bailey

We told Emma to stay with Camden during the race. He left her in the dust right at the beginning and came into the finish line just after 10 minutes!

Emma was a terrific cousin and ran with Cole. He needed a little lift from Dad towards the end :)

Emma finishing strong!

Go Cole!

Chris and I were 5K running buddies :)

The Kasparek Brothers

Me and Lori

What an awesome surprise: Camden was the 3rd place finisher in his age group!

The Kasparek runners

Camden, Aunt Jen, Bailey, Emma, and Cole

Prairie High School 20 Year Reunion

Chris celebrated his 20th high school reunion while we were in Iowa. He got to know some of his classmates even more working with them on the planning committee.

A picture of Chris and his lovely date before leaving the Kasparek house :)

We brought a special bottle of wine from Italy to enjoy at a little pre-party

The fantastic planning committee: Shannon, Betsy, Melanie, Tracey, Erin, and Chris

Do you see the strawberry 1993 in the fruit platter? :)

Who knew checking in people could be this much fun?!

Brooke gave Chris his first kiss in 2nd grade :)

Cedar Rapids Prairie Class of 1993

Let's dance!

Seaward Family Pictures

Grandpa, Emma, and Camden

Grandpa, Nana, Emma, and Camden

The whole family

Camden definitely has some strong Seaward genes in him!

Dad, me, Nathaniel, and Mom

The Seaward/Kaspareks

Camden, Uncle Lou, and Emma

Chris, Me, and Nathaniel

Emma, Nana, and Camden

Catching Up With Old Friends

We had 2 Camp Adventure reunions in Iowa. The Cramer family hosted the first one in Johnston. It was fun reminiscing about the good old days traveling around the world during the summers.

Amy, Chris, and Mike

The Schweinfurt 1997 crew: Chris, Chris, Gina, and Maggie

Kasparek and Pisarik

My friend Abby, who I've known my whole life, was blessed with 2 adorable babies in December. Emma and I were so happy we got to meet Essie and Teddy!

The babypalooza continued with Baby Kate!

Sarah coordinated her trip back to Iowa with ours so we got to enjoy a couple lunch dates catching up and loving on Kate.

Sarah and I have a famous picture taken when we were probably 18 months old. There is now a garage behind us, the shed is different, and the tree is a lot bigger...

...but here are our daughters in that same location in the same wagon!

There's lots of love in this 34 year friendship!

Best Friend Grandma's and their beautiful grandchildren

Next Stop: Central Iowa!

After a week of traveling around the U.S. we made it home to Iowa. We happened to arrive on the same day as the Iowa Children's Cancer Connection and the University of Iowa Football Legends fundraiser event in Des Moines. Needless to say, Chris was in Hawkeye Heaven!

Chris and Chuck Long
Who is also a Sam Adams fan!