Iowa with the Kaspareks 2018 Part 1

We had another great summer trip back to Iowa to visit everyone at the end of July. 
We hit the ground running on our first day, loaded up the cousins "Italian Style", and set out to see Grandma Rose, Babi, and Pops.

Grandma Rose and the kids

Camden eats his first ever Giant Tenderloin

Watching Grandma Rose work some magic, frosting her world famous bars

The grandkids with Pops & Babi, who was recovering from knee replacement surgery 

A Sally Sandwich

Saturday morning we headed to Solon for the Beef Days Fun Run

Emma and Chris finishing up the 5K

My running buddy was FIRST PLACE in her age group for the mile run!

Now it's time for the parade
 (love the photobombing)

These kiddos collected 12 pounds of candy!!!

Swimming at City Pool

Playing at the park

Cedar Rapids Prairie Class of '93 celebrated their 25th class reunion.

Sunday morning at the new house!
Tim and Lori are building an amazing new home in Tiffin and they are doing a lot of the work themselves. 

Let's get painting!

Watching Tim cut tile for the master bathroom on the front porch

Tim and Lori in their future bedroom

Cheers to a hard day's work!
I cannot wait to sit on this back porch next summer!

Meanwhile...Uncle Chris/Dad took the kids to a movie

Festa Americana 2018

What a weekend!  Festa 2018 was one for the memory books!  

Ron, Camden, and Zane (aka Cart Guy) hanging out at Cabin #7

Captain Abrahamson and Chris at Saturday's opening ceremonies

 Buying this 21 year old his first official Festa beer :)

We are ready for the fireworks

 

A spectacular show!

 I know this is a bit blurry, but the K kiddos had a blast riding around on the back of the cart with Zane & Harley

 I love Mr. Festa!

Flash forward to Festa Day 2. 

We claimed our spot under the big shade tree next to our cabin and chilled out most of the afternoon

A photo op with my love and Uncle Sam

 The amazing Community Rec team: Chris, John, & Ed

 One of the Naples Got Talent performers sang one of our wedding songs so we had to dance :)

Happy Francesca hanging out with Zia Sherri

 Francesca & Zane

 Madds, Me, Sherri, & Gabriella

 The lovely Camilleri ladies

Mr. Festa getting the crowd ready for the next band

 Madds, Gabriella, & Sherri showing off their dance moves

Zio Chris meets Frankie :)

 Madds, Gabriella, & Maria

 Roller coaster time

Emma was hands up the whole time on this ride :)

One tired sweet pea 

 Before the fireworks, Camden, Gabriella, & I went up on stage with Mr. Festa

Emma & Gabriella watching the fireworks