Kasparek Family Memories

Monday, March 25, 2019

February Weekend in Tuscany (AKA: V turns 4-0)

Before the birthday trip to London and birthday dinner at Dom's, I invited some friends to Tuscany to celebrate President's Day Weekend and my big 4-0. I didn't know this was going to be celebration #3!

Here's the whole gang ready to check out Montepulciano on Saturday morning

Tasting wine at Contucci

Frankie is the best cuddler!

Izzy, Emma, Camden, Brody, and Roslyn enjoying lunch at di Ricci

Gabri loves her Zia V when she gets her candy!

Lounging in the main square in Montepulciano soaking up the afternoon sun

Look who we found!
Caitlyn, Madison, Izzy, and Emma

After a little stop in Pienza, we decided a photo shoot was in order. Megan was a great sport, Mark tolerated us! :)

Camden and Brody playing some Sunday morning soccer

We were looking for a place to explore for a couple of hours before lunch. Chianciano Terme was the perfect little town!

Ron and Mel waiting for lunch at Cantina Salcheto

Roslyn, Izzy, Emma, Frankie, and Gabri

Family picture with Montepulciano in the background

Lunch and wine tasting

Cortona!

A little fun back at our hotel

Dinner with Frankie

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Not Our Regular Dinner at Dom's...

How many people can Dom host for dinner? We came pretty close to finding out on my birthday! I was definitely feeling the love when so many of our Naples family came out to help me celebrate!

The view from the other end of the table (restaurant)

Papa Byler, EJ, Kenny, and Julia

Antonio, Maria, and Alicia on this side of the table

Steve, Elyssa, Antonia, Madds, Frankie, Beth, Shelley, and Tim on this side of the table

Jim and Ron

Matt, Jenny, and Kate

Camden, Keller, and Campbell

Kirby, me, Monica, and Ben

Emma, Caitlyn, and Madison

Kenzie, Madeline, and Sadie

Dave (with a sleeping Gabriella) and Steve

Madds, me, Sherri, and Mel

40th in London!

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my 40th birthday, than spending it in my favorite city in the world!

After Chris finished coaching basketball Saturday afternoon, we flew to London.

Sunday morning we walked through Kensington Gardens

Then we took a tour through a special exhibit, Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace

It was amazing to see many of her iconic dresses up close and personal!

We strolled past the Royal Albert Hall where they were preparing for the BAFTA awards later on that night!

Buckingham Palace

Parliament

One of many pub stops throughout the weekend!

We fought Monday morning rush hour traffic to get to Windsor Castle. The grounds were gorgeous and it was a bright, sunny day. The audio guide tour was one of the best I've been on! There was a special exhibit for Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding (including her dress and his uniform).

Here we at the front entrance of St. George's Chapel

The royal family's residence wing of Windsor Castle

As if the weekend couldn't get any better, this was the grand finale!

The cast was beyond talented and I am still in awe of the creative genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda!

Watch out 40, I have arrived!

Coach K's 44

Chris celebrated his 44th birthday on the 4th! We enjoyed a spaghetti pie dinner followed by a Grandma Rosie Bar "cake"

There was not a lot of time for celebrating, because he has been busy coaching high school basketball. Here are a few pics of him in action...

Last week he traveled to Germany for the European Championship Tournament. These boys played their hearts out!

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Roman Rhinehart Reunion

I LOVE a reunion!!! This one has been in the works for over 5 years...

When we spent Thanksgiving 2013 with the Rhineharts in Spain, we planned a reunion in Italy within a few years. The Rhineharts wanted to visit the new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple that was schedule to open in Rome soon. After numerous delays, it was finally ready for an open house in the beginning of 2019!

Renee just happened to be in Naples the week before for a class for work so we got some extra time with her.