15 Year Engagement Anniversary

On December 19, 2000 Chris asked me to marry him. On December 19, 2015 we went back to where he popped the question: St. Peter's Square.  

 The Nativity in the square

 Trying to figure out the exact location of the proposal

 

 Relaxing on the balcony of our apartment with a glass of Prosecco

 Happy Hour at a little cafe next to the Pantheon

 Trevi Fountain

 St. Peter's Square at night is even more amazing!

 Sunday morning stroll along the Tiber River

 We toured St. Angelo's Castle and took in some of the best views of the city from the top of the castle

 What an incredible weekend!  No better way to kick of Winter Break!

Castello di Limatola and San Lorenzello

Last Saturday Emma and I joined some of my wonderful NES colleagues for an adventure in the hills near Naples.  Castello di Limatola is a famous Christmas market in our area and we were excited to check it out.

Now this is a LOT of grappa!

 Emma and I in front of a Nativity at the castle

 Trip planner extraordinaire, Maria

 Amanda, Patrick, and baby Noah

 Pitts and Eris

 Gorgeous day with my gorgeous girl!

 Antonia, Emma, and Kenya visit Santa

 Me, Maribeth, and Therese

 A bird's eye view of one section of the market

After a morning of exploring and shopping, it was time for lunch.  

Noah loved Emma!

 Me & Mel

 Pitts, Me, and Eris enjoying some wine

 Colleen, Sherri, Me, and Chris Beane

Our final stop of the day was in the sweet little town of San Lorenzello. We wandered around enjoying the lights

Emma and Ms. Hail (her 3rd grade teacher) 

 Me and Amanda

 Street selfie

 The whole gang ;)

2015 Holiday Tree Lighting

It was a perfect evening at NSA Naples for a tree lighting celebration

The runner, the man in charge, and the singer are ready to go!

 Camden and sweet Noah

 Chris introducing the Naples Elementary School Choir

 Emma sang her heart out!

 Jenna, Thea, and Steve

 Thea enjoying the choirs sing :)

 Camden finishing up the Candy Cane 5K

 Steve and Camden after the race

 It's time to light the tree!

 Uh-oh, there is a problem...

 ...but look who has a special bulb to make the lights work!

 3, 2, 1

 Beautiful Christmas tree in the courtyard

Visiting with Santa 

Thanksgiving Break Fun

Friday morning it was Operation Holiday Decorations at the Kasparek casa

 Emma's annual elf picture

 First ornament on the tree

 Camden and his special collection of ornaments from Aunt Jessi

 Saturday we went on an adventure to a vineyard in the rolling hills between Naples and Rome

 Chris and Camden in the olive groves

 

Mel, Me, and Emma 

 Beautiful girl and scenery

 Family picture time

 Cheese!

 I wonder where Camden gets his goofiness from :)

 Look at this sweet Nona who made our lunch!

 

  Mel and Emma

 While the adults were buying wine, the kids entertained themselves

 Good thing we had a big car to haul everyone's wine back home

 Countryside traffic jam