Thursday, June 29, 2017

1000th Blog Post

In October of 2007, I decided to start a family blog as we moved from one chapter of our lives (Japan) to the next (Washington). Here we are nearly 10 years later and I've hit the milestone of my 1000th post!
The subtitle on our blog is: Adventures of the Kaspareks and their friends and family
We are coming up on our 6th anniversary of living in Italy.  While we miss our friends and family back home, we continue to embrace and love our dolce vita  :)

The Navy's Great American Campout last weekend at Carney Park
Here is team Kasparek playing foot golf for the first time. We had a blast and cannot wait to play it again!

 Our fabulous MWR family! 
Me, Chris, Bunny, Jeremy, Heather
 I LOVE a reunion!  
The kids and I scooped up Jen at the airport Tuesday afternoon when she flew down from Germany.  We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening on Madds' porch catching up.
A Veuve toast with Jen, Madds, and Fifa
 
Sherri, Jen, Madds, and I planned on going over to Procida on Wednesday for lunch.  Mother Nature had different plans and the water was too rough for the water taxi. 
Plan B: Mimosas and then lunch in Monte di Procida
 Emma, Sherri, Camden, Zane, Jen, Thea, and Jenna relaxing in the (not so blue) pool Thursday afternoon
Our friends Cri and Ben are getting married! Unfortunately,  Chris is a little busy this weekend, so I'll be representing. The groom's dinner at Stappos was a ton of fun!
Madds, Tyler, Sherri, Ron, Me, and Jen
Tyler, Me, Jen, Sherri
Gabriella, Madds, Siena, Debbie, Fifa


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

6th Grade Promotion

Emma's first day at Naples Elementary School in August of 2011
In the blink of an eye, here we are at her last day at Naples Elementary School.
This has been one of the best years in my teaching career. It definitely took a while to get used to Emma being one of my students, but I think we found a nice balance of mom/daughter/teacher/student. The "mom look" did have to come out from time to time.  Luckily, Emma is a good student who worked hard all year long!
Our keynote speaker (and 6th grade parent), NSA Naples Commanding Officer Captain Carpenter, presented the 6th grade team with his command coin
Proud mama reading her daughter's name for the President's Award for Educational Excellence
Presented with a smile and a handshake from Principal Chris Beane


Way to go, Emma!
Receiving her promotion certificate
A new favorite picture of mine (thanks photographer, Mel!)
A hug from dad as she goes to the stage for the class picture 
(I'm in the background on crowd control)
Naples Elementary School 6th grade class of 2017
An awesome day to celebrate an awesome girl!
Madison, Abby, Emma, and Caitlyn enjoying lunch
6th grade pool party fun
A cannonball to celebrate the beginning of summer!

It's June, Let's Have Some Fun!

The last weekend before school got out was a busy and fun one for the Kasparek family!

Chris went on a much needed and well deserved trip to his beloved Dublin with Ron, Zane, and Ryan.


Emma participated in an after school volleyball camp and they had their culminating mini tournament on Saturday morning

Meanwhile, Camden ran in MWR's Splash & Dash

Saturday afternoon my NES family celebrated the retirement of the fabulous Yvonne Salinas

Here's one snapshot of Heather and me during Sunday Funday by our pool

Field Day 2017

The last Friday of the school year calls for a celebration!  Field Day 2017 was a huge success!

Here comes Camden and his 4th grade teammates for their morning session
Field Day Queen: Jenna Rice
Camden having fun with the giant sling shot

SUPER volunteers: Sherri, Zane, and Harley
Here comes the 6th graders for their afternoon session
The many competitive faces of Emma Louise...


Love these ladies!  Field Day will not be the same without Jenna next year! :(
I got a hug from Mr. Community Rec Director
Fire hose + 6th graders = FUN
Caitlyn, Natalie, Emma, Abby, and Madison

Monday, May 29, 2017

Sperlonga 2017

We made our second annual trip to the beach in Sperlonga to camp for Memorial Day Weekend and it did not disappoint!

 These friends are ready to relax and have a great time!
Family picture on the beach Saturday morning
 Emma, Madeline, and Nathan
 Mossimo and Thea
 Sadie, Emma, Camden, and Madeline
 Zane and Camden
 Me, Mel, and Sherri
 Harley and Zane
 A friendly game of beach Bocce
 Me, Harley, and Heather
 Zane, Ron, Chris, and Kenny
 Mel, Julia, Jen, Jenna, and Thea
 Sunday morning playing in the sand with Thea
 The Z family
 Lots of wading
 and floating
 Emma and Mel kayaking
 Ryan and Heather (the birthday girl)
 Jen, Andrew, and Lila
 beach volleyball
 evening paddle ball