Joe’s Extended Family Summer Cookout

Growing up, our families were devoted and excellent role models that instilled in us integrity, confidence, good morals and values. As parents, family is our top priority and we work hard to follow the same values and principles our parents passed on to us.

Joe’s parents were married for forty-seven, wonderful years. Sadly, Joe's father passed away three years ago. Joe has a close relationship with his older brother, his only sibling. He lives close by and visits often. Derek enjoys spending time with his uncle. We are fortunate to also have Joe's mom living close by. She loves to dote on her only grandchild.

Joe's favorite childhood memories include going to amusement parks, beaches, sledding, baseball games and the annual trip to Disney World. Christmas was and still is Joe's favorite holiday. His family always hosted a Christmas dinner. All of Joe's aunts, uncles and cousins never missed this tradition. Joe loved being surrounded by his loving and supportive family.

Easter at Our House with Both Families

Nancy’s parents have been married fifty years! They are both retired and love spending their free time together. Nancy is the youngest of four children. She is especially close to her sister, brother in- law and their eleven-year-old daughter, Kelly. Kelly was adopted as an infant and is a cherished part of our family. Although, Nancy's sister and her family live out of state, as well as Nancy's brother and his wife, we all remain very close through constant communication and frequent visits. Nancy's parents and one brother live nearby and are a strong presence in Derek's life. They have never missed a preschool show, tee-ball game or any other event.

Nancy's fondest childhood memories with her family involve weekend trips to amusements parks, beaches, sledding, hiking, museums and outdoor concerts.

Christmas remains Nancy's favorite holiday. As far back as she can remember her father and his five siblings have held a large Christmas party. The children especially enjoy this party! They look forward to playing musical chairs, various games and being part of a musical parade complete with instruments. There is always a visit from Santa! As a child Nancy looked forward to this party all year, just as our son does now.

Our Home

We are fortunate to be able to raise our family in one of the most family oriented towns in Massachusetts. One of the reasons we chose to live in this town is the excellent schools. Some of the features of our town include a 1, 570 acre state park with fishing, canoeing, horseback trails, hiking, sledding, and educational classes. We enjoy spending time at this park year round, especially at "family day" activities. There are a number of wonderful playgrounds close by. An ice skating pond is close by our home too. In the summer, this same pond is used for canoeing. Our town also has a children's museum where our son loves spending time, especially in the woodworking room. The children's museum always has special events like puppet shows, magic shows, animal shows, holiday parties and fun classes. When we are not at the children's museum we have fun at the YMCA also located in our town.

Derek Having Fun with Neighborhood Friends on Their Quads

We are extremely involved with a MOMS club in our town. This club has enabled us to meet other families. The MOMS club offers a monthly calendar with activities five days a week. Through the MOMS club we have participated in the annual Easter egg hunt, Christmas parties, Halloween parties, fire and police station tours, as well as many other activities. Through the Moms club we participate in a playgroup. When we bring home our new baby, the MOMS club will have prepared meals delivered to our home for weeks. We feel fortunate to have the support of this club.

We live in a beautiful cape style home that sits on a wooded acre lot. We have three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining room, family room, and finished basement. Children love to visit our home because we have a large backyard with a swing set and many toys.

Our neighborhood is wonderful! One of the biggest occasions in our neighborhood is Halloween. Our neighborhood has a hayride for all the children to trick or treat. It is a memorable night of fun, laughter, and friends. We know we could not have chosen a better place to raise our family.