Last August the whole family went to the east coast to visit Grandma Maher and help her celebrate her 75th birthday.  Here is Rose and Sonja looking at old photos with Grandma.
	Here cousin Lukas arrives and Rose greets him with loving arms.
	Here the two girls smile with cousin Lukas in the middle.  They are waiting for pizza at the pizza parlor.
	We stayed at Auntie Mary and Uncle Pete's house and the girls get ready for bed.
	Sonja feels like a princess in her nightgown. I tell her we have a big day tomorrow and that she should go to sleep.  She stayed up a few more hours anyways.
	The next day we drive through rural country roads in search of a place called Homestead.  We have a really nice drive that took about 4 hours....
	When we reach the place.  Wow!  What a structure!  It is nestled in the middle of nature and the grounds are palatial.  Most of the presidents have stayed here since its inception in 1776.
	Once we check in the girls bounce on the bed and get under the covers, a trick mom proudly has taught the girls well.  We busted open a jar of jelly beans and went to town!
	While strolling through the grounds we encounter a deer eating the landscape.  What a nightmare for the gardeners but a treat for the ladies!
	Later that evening we dress up and go to dinner.  Here the kids order drinks (Shirley Temples) while the adults wait for theirs. .
	Auntie Mary is all smiles as everything she plans comes together.
	Auntie Rosie smiles for the camera as well.
	Uncle Pete, Aunt Noreen and uncle John discuss the wine selection.  White or Red? Shall we ask Patti?
	Patti says whatever, I'll drink anything!
	Meanwhile Pete teaches me the finer points of shooting a "Chillie" which is Jameson's chilled straight up.  I bet you can close a few deals with this drink.
	Rose snaps a picture of her other cousin James with his father John.  He really gets along with her.
	Patti looks radiant with smiles from the whole event.  Nothing like good o'l fashion family reunions!
	Here the birthday girl chooses her meal and savors the time spent with family.
	Rose has no problem eating! After all the food tastes better if you are hungry.
	The next day we have breakfast and head back to the islands.  We had a fantastic time and it was a trip that we sure would not forget.