A Visit to See Auntie Em

We recently got to check out Rochester, MN where Emily has relocated for her residency in Pediatric Neurology. Her townhome is gorgeous and we were impressed by the great weather (it cools down there in the evenings!) and outdoor lifestyle there. Emily said that since folks try to take advantage of the warmer months EVERYONE there seems to have a motorbike (there is an entire floor in her parking garage at work for them!) and some other major outdoor hobby for the summertime. Everyone is also super friendly and Emily told us you can make friends (like the kind you hang out with) just asking for directions! It seems like a great place. Of course, Emily made it clear this was also a recruiting trip so that Kevin will strongly consider their program in Ophthalmology:)

The Plummer Building...in lego form. The hospital campus was EXQUISITE with unique artwork and architecture in all the buildings.
Getting her groove on - on Auntie Em's porch where we had a delicious Saturday afternoon meal made on Emily's new grill

One of the views from the porch. The bridge behind us is one of several footbridges on the path that runs for miles behind Emily's house.

Local Attractions

The more we think about the upcoming year and a possible move the more we are filled with mixed emotions. It is always hard to be where you are and not look ahead! Especially when it might involve moving out of our apartment and into someplace with...maybe a yard, or who knows what other fun thing?! Going somewhere new could be very exciting but we also think St. Louis is an awesome place to live, especially with kids! There is ALWAYS something going on. A lot of these funs things are free and we've been so blessed to live in a place where we can keep busy while Daddy (Kev) is busy with his schooling and rotations. Here are some of our recent mini-adventures around town.

Jill trying out the vanilla cone at a new local ice cream joint close by.
Jill, Pete and I with some great St. Louis Medical School friends, Angela and Asher, Holly and Ashton (not pictured) at the Tower Grove fountains- a favorite place to keep cool. I realized we don't have any photos of friends we've made here so I'm going to try and take my camera along to get togethers. These guys are both due this coming Fall. We're on such a learning curve right now - having babies, our hubbies in school preparing for our futures - WOW, what a great time of life! I often think that this is the time I've been preparing for and anticipating my whole life!

Jill exploring at a fun new exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. It's a huge tree house complete with costumes, a life-size bird's nest, a huge tree with a stretchy cacoon and simulated flying. It's really cool if you haven't had the chance to check it out yet - and free for kids under three on Wednesday and Saturday mornings !

Knock, Knock

Jillian has been promoted to the position of big-girl bed sleeper! She loves the new location and actually sleeps longer for naps now. She still can't quite open the bedroom door on her own so each morning we hear a light knocking on the door and know that Jill is ready to come out and start the party. Then she jumps on Peter, who is extremely good natured about the whole thing.

BIG SMILER

We finally caught the elusive smile on camera. Petey looks a little bit like a muppet here, don't you think? What a sweetie!

East Coast Trip #1: A Photo Journal

Warning: You may be sick of our faces by the time the entry is through :) but I hope to make this into an album of sorts one day for posterity's sake. So here are the Gertschs unplugged. Pretty exciting.

Over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go...She just looked so grown up in her own seat on the plane!
Josh, Katie and I at Josh's graduation from Oakton Hill School. The ceremony took place at the Patriot Center at George Mason University.

Josh with Mom and Dad on the big day. You made it!

Josh with Grandma and Grandpa Zimmerman who were visiting from SLC
I am sure that over the years I will have to apologize many times to Peter because he was born second in a family with a domineering older sister. Well, aren't all older sisters bossy? (I can say that- I'm the oldest.) Sorry buddy!

Jill and Enoch getting their daily workout.
At the zoo with Aunt Hadley
Cowgirls? Or fashionistas?
Our girly has decided she doesn't go anywhere without her goggles.

Peter was a super traveler and can often be seen making this sweet face.
Peter's habitat for the week. We were so grateful it wasn't as hot as Jill's first beach week.
Miss Sass - Need we say more?
I have so many fond memories of sitting on a raft at low tide and having the day roll to a close as the waves lapped at your feet.

My beach bums
Our makeshift tent for the week. We forgot the cloth part of it and therefore looked somewhat like refugees with a blanket strapped in place all week.
Bathing beauties
Kate, Mom and Josh after Katie had knocked Josh over and then gotten what was coming to her for doing it!

Pops worked very hard all week trying to get Jilly to go in the waves with him. It finally paid off on the last day and she had a great time.
Matching, Matching
My sisters are the best
And so is my brother!

Monkey faces

We were going for a creative pose. Well, at least it's different:)
The whole crew at the beach- OBX 2008

Givin' Grandma some lovin'
The Powers and Gertsch Families at Peter's Baby Blessing in Raleigh - June 29, 2008
Our little family
Sweet Peter on his blessing day

Peter with Grandma Powers
Am I looking in the mirror?
Mom and Peter on his blessing day
Dad and Kevin grilling - I think they're starting to like each other:)

Man's work. Huh!
Gayle's new gazebo - perfect for cooling off after a swim and letting the babies sleep will the rest of us enjoy the pool.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Jillian!

Doreen, Katie, Josh and Kevin
Concentrate now...Am I doing this right, Daddy?

How does this thing work again?

Cousins - Peter and Mason are two days apart. So fun!

Grandma Gertsch had this great stream made that runs right into her pool. It makes for endless hours of adventure! Jill and Hunter loved finding the rocks, occassionally hurling one into the pool, and by the end of the week, jumping off the rocks with their dads into the pool.

But Mom, I want to throw a rock in the pool REALLY bad!

Swimming with Matt, Doreen and Hunter while Peter and Mason snoozed.

Kevin and his brother Matt - I just love this photo of them

Going to bed can be cool if you get to take a friend with you. Maybe in a few years they can have a sleep over but for now I think all of the parents enjoy their rest too much!
Love the goggles with the hat!
What was that?

I'll think about it.

Kevin and Jason with Jillian and Evan (We're still working on the nickname Alisa!) We had a great morning with them on the 4th of July but unfortunately only got this picture.