Most people that know me know that part of my childhood was spent growing up in Germany. We lived in a town called Gevelsberg, which is located about 45 minutes from Cologne. All in all we lived there for about seven years and I attended 1/2 of kindergarten, 2nd - 3rd grades, and 5th-7th grades at schools in Gevelsberg.
I hadn't been back to Gevelsberg in almost 10 years. It's funny how time flies. My uncle Harry was in the hospital and my Mom flew over, and I just knew that wanted to go see him as well. My Aunt Senta also still lives in Gevelsberg and I have a cousin who lives with her family in the neighboring city.
After a long, but smooth, eight hour flight from Philly to Frankfurt and a 2 1/2 hour train ride, I stepped onto the train station platform in Gevelsberg. The town itself hasn't changed that much. Sure, some of the shops are different and they greatly improved the main street to limit traffic. It was, however, still pretty much as I remembered it.
My uncle is lucky enough to live right on the main street that runs through downtown. Quite a few of the pictures below were taken from his balcony. It is the perfect spot to observe the town and people watch.
I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I thought I would, and I didn't see as much of the town as I'd hoped. I was only there for four days and it wasn't really that kind of trip. I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to go and visit my family in Germany and I hope to return again soon. I'd love for Johnny to see where I spent quite a few years of my childhood growing up, and I'd love for Johnny and Will to meet my uncle, aunt, and cousin. Gevelsberg will after all always be my second home.
A few weeks ago, Will, John, and I headed down to Annapolis (Eastport to be exact) for dinner. It's easy to forget how lucky we are to have such a gem as Annapolis right in our "backyard." Just look at that sky...
I just love this picture of my two boys! It was taken on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry en route from St. Michael's to Oxford, where we celebrated Father's Day this year. What could be better than a gorgeous day on Maryland's Eastern Shore? Our day started out in St. Michael's, where we walked around a bit, enjoyed an ice cream cone, and visited a toy store. After that, we drove to the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry and took a short, but fun, 10 minute ferry ride to Oxford. I'd never been to Oxford before. It is such a cute, little town. Very picturesque, but less touristy than St. Michael's. We ate a great place called Masthead at Pier Street Marina. It's right on the water- what a view. With the weather we had it was nothing short of spectacular. Happy Father's Day, honey! Johnny and I love you so much!
Earlier this month, Will and I decided to take John for his first mini-golf experience. My dad loves to golf and Will likes it, too, so it would be nice if John would grow to like it as well. John had a good time. He did make his own rules, though, which seemed to work for him. All I can say is, "Look out, Tiger Woods! You've got competition!" 
Most people that know me know that part of my childhood was spent growing up in Germany. We lived in a town called Gevelsberg, which is located about 45 minutes from Cologne. All in all we lived there for about seven years and I attended 1/2 of kindergarten, 2nd - 3rd grades, and 5th-7th grades at schools in Gevelsberg. 
