Monday, October 12, 2020

European Fitness Games

After 8 long months of no competitions, Emma was back at it on Thursday.  She was part of the inaugural Naples High School European Fitness Games Team.

Her first event was the basketball toss


Melissa and Chris were hard at work measuring and recording distances
The wall sit was TORTURE!



Rox, Emma, and Gabs
Thanks for all your support, Mel!
Meanwhile, Camden had JNROTC drill practice
Emma clocked the fastest girls' time for the agility competition

60 seconds of push-ups 


400 meter run
What an outstanding group of athletes!


Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Life Lately: September Edition

I know I say this each month, but boy has September flown by.  I realized that my last blog post was Labor Day! There haven't been any huge events to blog about. I feel like we are into the routine of school and work, with a few fun adventure thrown in on the weekends.  Here are a few highlights of the past month:

This pretty much sums up Herky's continued thoughts about us not being at home all day...

Camden had the honor of joining a pilot program for 8th graders participating in Naples Middle High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. He is absolutely loving it!

Camden, Emma, and Gabriella before school one day

 

We love having our sweet kindergartener, Gabriella, as part of our "morning crew" at school. She and Emma have matching shoes :) 

Chris snapped a pic of us one Sunday afternoon in honor of our 10th year teaching CCD.  We have a combined class of 5th & 6th graders this year and we are teaching virtually.  Camden is in his final year of CCD and will receive his Confirmation at the end of January. :) 

Dad and Son hanging in the pool
Maria organized a delicious Friday night dinner at Mastroberardino. Chris had to work, so Melissa was my date for the evening.  Lots of laughs with these fabulous friends!

Camden and Chris have gotten in a few Sunday afternoon rounds of golf.  
Our house in Silverdale, Washington went on the market. We have been very fortunate to have a handful of renters for the past 9 years, but we decided it was time to sell it.  
Scrolling through the pictures on the listing made me very nostalgic for those 4 years with little Emma and Camden in this house!
Fall storms in Naples are NOT my favorite!  Camden was sent in to fetch the furniture out of the pool
The rainy weather moved weekend golf to the backyard
He loves us....
Camden participated in his first color guard today.  He carried the Marine Corps flag 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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!


Saturday, August 29, 2020

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!

Monday, August 24, 2020

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 :)