Our family is one of our greatest joys! When we get together a small gathering can be 35+ family members!! This is a picture of our July 4th picnic. With 7 children (Rachel is the youngest) and 20 grandchildren, we keep busy with birthdays, games, plays, and school events. We have enjoyed many family trips, including going to a cabin and Washington DC with Rebecca and her family, where her oldest, Blake (13) was in a "Future Leaders of America" program.

Rachel:: In 2004 I joined with my church to be a part of World Youth Day as a chaperone and traveled to Germany. On our pilgrimage we also visited France and Italy, and saw Pope Benedict XVI! At the age of 14 I was a participant in World Youth Day in Colorado and saw Pope John Paul II. Both times were experiences I will never forget! I am still active with the Youth Group at St. Peter's, where I volunteer and teach CCD, Confirmation Classes and do youth retreats.

I was recently married on April 21st, 2007 to the man of my dreams, Erich Hastreiter. We bought a home only a half block from the church and walk to Mass on Sundays and love going for walks to Silver Lake.

Gale: I have been active at St. Peter's Church in No. St. Paul since 1961, where I have attended Bible studies and taught Bible classes. I am involved many other ways too. I love volunteering at the Annual Fall Festival, I make salads, etc whenever needed, and much more. Besides being involved at St. Peter's, I also sing with the Archdiocesan Choir. I love reading and belong to two book clubs. I love traveling, and some of my favorite places I have been to include; Indonesia, Peru, Alaska, and Rome. I swim weekly and write short stories and poetry. I hope to publish my first children's book this year! Watch for an announcement!!

I had the privilege of joining the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocesan Choir trip to Rome. We sang at the papal mass and were blessed be the presence of Pope John Paul II. We also visited Assisi, the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel, walked across the Tiber River, and viewed many cathedrals and works of Michelangelo. We stayed at a Vatican hotel at the foot of the Basilica's square. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

I am very excited about my next adventure in 2008 where I will once again join people from the Archdiocese and travel to Ireland!

Gale Bush &

Rachel Hastreiter (Bush)
2529 16th Ave.
North St. Paul, MN 55109
(651) 777-4422