Anita & Jeff

We love traveling, balancing times of relaxation with adventure. One day, we may be kicking back on a Caribbean beach, and another, navigating our way through the heart of Italy by car, playfully squabbling over missed hotel bookings and forgotten directions. Sometimes, our travels keep us closer to home, like taking in the mountain views and autumn colors of Shenandoah Valley during a day trip. At other times, they send us halfway around the world, only to find ourselves drenched in a surprise summer downpour because Jeff can't seem to figure out directions from his phone in Luxembourg! Each year, we look forward to planning a few getaways. We eagerly anticipate our next journey, knowing that getting lost is often part of the fun, and can't wait to create more shared memories.

Ever wondered what happens when Indian lanterns meet Polish pierogis? A family mishmash of awesomeness. Imagine this: Diwali's ablaze with Indian lanterns and candles, painting our home in a warm, magical glow. And then, boom! Christmas rolls in, and we're in the kitchen, turning cabbage and dough into scrumptious pierogis, a nod to Jeff's Polish roots. Our family get-togethers have transformed into epic karaoke showdowns. Forget fancy dinners – we're belting out tunes that'd make the pros envious. We can’t forget the battle of the cookies! My mom's famous shortbread and chocolate kisses cookies? Legendary. And as for Jeff? Well, his grandma's "sunshine cookies" – let's just say they're quicker to vanish than a magician's rabbit! Our Christmas decoration game? Next level. Every room becomes a unique universe, let's talk about the star of the show – our travel-themed Christmas tree. Each ornament is a memory from our adventures, creating a mosaic of smiles and stories. At the core of it all? Me and Jeff, blending traditions and love. Our story is a hilarious ride through cultural mashups, karaoke battles, and cookies that disappear faster than you can say 'ho ho ho.' It's all about family, fun, and a ton of heartwarming chaos. This isn't your average tradition tale – it's a wild, laughter-filled journey through our beautifully tangled heritage!

We're fortunate to have families we love spending time with, and the bonus is, they're close by. Jeff's parents are just a short ten-minute drive from our home. His youngest brother and wife live nearby while his middle brother and wife often make the journey up from sunny Florida to visit. As for my side of the family, they're rooted in Missouri. Even though there's a bit of distance, we never hesitate to hop on a plane for some family time. My brother, his wife, and our adorable niece also call the midwest home. I might be biased, but our niece is hands down the most cutest and talented ten-year-old you could ever meet. When our families gather, it's always lively - friendly faces, delicious homecooked food, and laughter filling the air. Holidays are particularly special. They bring family members from afar, and Christmas is always a big, joyful reunion. Our families are beyond thrilled at the prospect of welcoming a baby into all our lives through adoption. In our big, lively, and caring families, this child won't just be loved; they'll be adored, cherished, and, yes, perhaps slightly spoiled (think Gucci Kids)… in the best way possible.

Not your ordinary pup, but a fluffy warrior of love and joy! Just like his namesake, the valiant ancient Indian warrior, our Bernedoodle Bheem fearlessly embarks on adventures with boundless energy and a heart full of courage. With his paws as mighty as the tales of old, he charges into playtime, conquering toys and hearts alike. But don't be fooled by his warrior spirit—Bheem's true battles are won with his irresistible puppy eyes and a wag that could melt even the sturdiest of shields. Bheem embraces the legacy of his namesake through wet kisses, cuddles,and cheer to all he meets.

We live in a cozy house just 5 miles from a big city. Our craftsman house sits on a tree-lined corner lot and holds countless memories. We both chose to live in this neighborhood before we even met. It's a friendly place where people still stop to chat on the sidewalk, kids run around on their bike, and everyone knows each other. We met and had our first date here, so it's extra special to us. Our home is our haven, especially our little outdoor sanctuary. Our secluded backyard is where we spend so much of our outdoors time. A flagstone walkway wraps around our home, with towering birch trees on one side and sturdy oaks and cherry trees on the other. As the world slowed down during COVID, Jeff's creativity took flight. He helped design and built a comfy tiny house with a loft for our weekend movie nights and a quaint backyard office, his quiet spot away from the daily hustle. This home, with its nearby parks, playground, incredible selection of schools, and community vibes, felt perfect for our dreams of growing our family. Every corner, every cedar shingle, every tree holds a promise of memories yet to be made, and we're so excited to build many more here.