Labor Day Weekend 2020

The Kasparek family divided and conquered Labor Day Weekend 2020

Chris and Emma left right after school on Friday and drove north so Emma could attend an Olympic Development Team soccer tryout in Vicenza. They stopped south of Florence for the night and enjoyed some yummy pizza for dinner.

Meanwhile, back in Naples, Camden, Melissa, and I filled our bellies with Philly Cheesesteaks at Benny's 

Someone was missing Emma on Saturday morning...

Melissa, Colleen, Sherri, and I headed out on a day adventure to Casertavecchia

The quaint streets were charming

Our cafe stop was unlike any other I've experienced.  Each time a car came down this tiny road, I hopped off my stool and moved into the doorway of the cafe (behind Sherri) so the car could pass by!

I love lunchin' with these ladies!

Chris and Emma made it to Vicenza on Saturday afternoon and got to spend some time with the Sparlings!

Serving at Mass looks a little different these days...

Avonlea and Emma ROCKED the tryout, even though it was super hot!

Life Lately: August Edition

We welcomed the month of August in Sicily, and now we are back at school! Here are a few highlights...

Chris and I attended the Change of Command Ceremony for the NSA Naples Commanding Officer.  Best wishes to the Abrahamson family! 

Emma had a friend's birthday party in Avellino, so Renee joined me for a fabulous lunch and stroll around the downtown area.

Pool afternoons are the best!
Don't let Camden's sour puss fool you - he was just joking!

Dylan, Camden, and Jake playing basketball

Camden's backyard golf spot

Frankie, Camden, and I worked away on a puzzle one evening after we got out of the pool

#teacherskidlife

Mr. Beane and Mrs. Dunn gave Maddalena and I the social distanced desks okay

Austin, Chris, and Boats setting up for the  Back to School Concert.  I was just there for moral support (and was desperate for something cool to drink)

Herky's not thrilled we are back to school now...

Emma hard at work on her first day's homework

Colleen is back and out of ROM!

A Mary's night was just what we all needed!

Back to School 2020

I have never been so happy to be back to school!  I'm exhausted after day #1, but my heart is so full after having students back in my classroom.

Our new normal at NES...

Emma Louise is a 10th grader

Camden Lee is an 8th grader

Year 18 for me

10 at Naples Elementary

6 in 6th grade social studies

Ready head to class

Madds and I at morning line up

I snapped a picture of Emma and Gabriella after school :)

Sicilian Golf Weekend

We headed south to Sicily for a weekend adventure!

On the ferry across the Strait of Messina

The view of Mt. Etna from our hotel room

Cooling off in the pool Thursday afternoon. Yes, swim caps were required

Sherri, Amy, and I may start a synchronized swim team...

Amy, Dave, Sherri, and I enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail 

The guys out on the golf course

On Friday afternoon, we went to Gambino Winery for lunch and a wine tasting.  

Gotta love it when the GPS leads you to this...

Wine on the front porch of the hotel before dinner on Friday

Morning walk with Sherri, Amy, and Carrie

Chris and Ron heading out for their second round of the day on Saturday

We had a lovely afternoon by the pool

While we were waiting for the ferry, Chris got to enjoy 2 famous Sicilian treats: Lemon Granita and a cannoli 

Sherri, Amy, Jim, Chris, Ron, and me on the ferry back to the mainland

FUN weekend with these ladies!

Meanwhile, back in Naples...

The kids cooked with Mel

As we were driving back today, they went kayaking and paddle boarding with Renee, Austin, and Amelia!