zoo animals. not made for minnesota winters.

We have had a nice weekend around here. We woke up on Saturday, and decided to go to the Conservatory to practice our photo taking skills. It was so nice to be inside the warm greenhouse. The warmth, and the smell of everything green was refreshing, and got me even more excited for spring. (although, I'm not exactly sure when spring starts here in minnesota, or even if we have one.)

We happened upon a nice little bonus. The conservatory is connected to the Como Park Zoo, which is free. In the winter the zoo animals are all cuddled up inside, and on display for all. We enjoyed walking around and watching the zoo animals seem bored out of their minds!




I'll leave you with a picture of our own little zoo animal:

Loving a minnie sota!

Two Christmases ago, Tyler bought me everything I would need for a kitten. I got toys, a carrying cage, kitty potty, and a scratch pad. With it came a cute little note about how we were getting a kitten. Well, at the time, I got cold feet. I wasn't ready for a little fur ball running around. Flash forward a year later, and we finally got our little guy! We are pleased to welcome Sota into our family. He has already brought a long lots of naps, baby talk, and research on the internet! (If anyone knows about how to make a kitten stop meowing so freaking much when he is away from you, please pass it along!) So without any further ado, I welcome Sota Bertke:

Blessed by Bethlehem

So, finally, after much searching, Tyler and I have found a church community in which we feel as though is a good fit for us. We have the privilege of attending Bethlehem Baptist Church, and hear the much appreciated words of Pastor John Piper. He speaks to me in ways that are challenging, and encourages me to dive deeper in my own faith and understanding to develop my own beliefs. If you want to check him out, check out his blog at www.desiringgod.org or check at the church at www.hopingod.org

Also, we got a new camera, which I have had fun tinkering around with. I have the best subject to capture on film, and have had so much fun catching my cutie on film!



This coming weekend is Winter Festival in downtown St. Paul, and the National Pond Hockey Tournament! This should supply me with lots of opportunities for picture taking!

Tyler and I jumped on the bandwagon...I mean blogwagon. We are going to try (really hard, I promise) to keep you updated on what is going on with the Bertke's, and what really happens in the true midwest (pretty much snow...that's it!)

First blog done. What a relief.