Last week we had a great time traveling back to our homeland - Maryland. Ironically, both of us were born there. Well, Jeff was born in DC and lived in MD the first ten years of his life. And Kira was born in Baltimore and lived there until the ripe ol' age of 2. But we still have tons of family there...some whom we have not seen in a long while. So, it was great to see everyone. Thanks to all our family who made our stay a very relaxed one. We felt very taken care of. :)

The main reason we head eastward was Kira's mom was turning 60, and her family was throwing a surprise party for her with all her old friends. She was totally taken aback when she walked into the room and saw family, old work friends, and even her AZ family as well.

It all started on Thursday night when we threw a little dinner bday party for Mom at Kira's brother's house (here in Phoenix). During dessert (Carvel ice cream cake), Kira gave her a few extra gifts...airplane peanuts, a Delta Sky magazine, and an apple. They all served as clues that she was to be whisked away (that night) to NYC by her hubby. LIttle did she know that NY was just a diversion for the real plan..the bday party. I (Jeff) was pretty impressed with the planning of it all. :)




Mom's welcome in Bal'mur






I think I put a pic in here twice... :)



It sort of felt like a wedding as different folks from different worlds that mean so much to us were able to meet. Here Davy (Kira's brother) is playing with Quinn (Jeff and Kira's nephew)



Our grandmas bond...



Who says priests can't have a good time? :)







More pics from DC to come!