Vanessa's Summer Iowa Trip

I headed to Iowa for a few weeks to see the family. It was definitely strange not having Chris or the kids with me, but I loved the quality time I got to spend with some of my favorite people!

Barn Town Happy Hour with Dad

 

Impromptu coffee catch up in Iowa City with Katy

Kasparek family game night

Strolling around Mount Vernon while Cole was at wrestling practice

A side trip to Cedar Falls! 

Pam & Katie

Sally kept me company a few nights

The best nephew and niece in the universe!  I know they will have a fantastic year in 10th and 7th grade!

Evening chats with Mom💓

Callie & Nathaniel in Italy!

Callie & Nathaniel came to visit us! We hung out by the pool the afternoon they arrived.

Another picture perfect day on Procida

They really do love each other! 😂

Train trip to Rome

  First stop: the Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain

The Pantheon

Piazza Navona

St. Peter's Cathedral

The Colosseum 

So thankful for this Seaward family time! 💗

Ponza

Maria & Antonia invited us to join them on a little adventure to Ponza. I have heard nothing but great things about this island and was excited for a little overnight trip.  We hopped on the ferry in Formia bright and early Sunday morning, and a few hours later, arrived in the port at Ponza.  

Aperol spritz on the beach - yes please! 

Summer Sunday Fun-day 🏖

Antonia, Emma, and Maddi checking out some of the local shops

Maria & I are ready for dinner

Antonia & Emma

Maddi, Giovanni, Antonia, Carm, & Emma

Late night at the lounge bar

The morning view from our hotel room

We had a fantastic boat captain who took us around the island to all the best swimming spots

We all swam into the cave in the background

Perfect summer day!

Fun with the California Zs

Zane and Harley came back home to visit and had a special VIP with them: Zion. We were all super excited to meet him! We enjoyed a mid-week lunch at Antico Castello with the Oropallos and Zimmermanns

Camden, Emma, and Zion

Zion had a little help from his favorite gal pals: Emma & Antonia

Sherri, Zion, and Maria

Lots of love from the Kasparek & Oropallo ladies

Zion & Camden

The "kids"

Zion taking it all in with Emma

So happy to spend time with this cutie!

Wildcat Graduates: Giovanni, Antonia, Harley, Emma, Zane, and Camden

Emma & Camden joined Harley & Zane for a day of boating around Ischia & Procida 

Saturday by our pool.  Zion LOVED watermelon! 

 

Festa Americana 2025

We celebrated America's birthday at Carney Park. Chris and his MWR team put on another incredible event! 

Emma, Sherri, Ron, and Chris

Zane, Harley, Chris, & Zion

Family photo time 💖

Luca, Emma, Camden, and Madison

Zion and Sherri

Opening Ceremonies with Chris, Admiral Munsch, and Captain Randazzo

 

Navy Flagship Band

Fireworks finale!