With David’s Family on Christmas Day

Both of us come from large, close-knit families that we see on a regular basis. David is one of five siblings. He has two older sisters and two younger sisters. David's stepfather and youngest sister live less than two miles away and we see them every week. When ever the extended family comes to visits everyone has a great time drawing, making animals out of Play-Doh, and doing puzzles and playing in the yard.

With Judy’s Family at Her Parents’ 40th Anniversary Party

Judy is the youngest of four siblings. She has two older sisters and one older brother. Her parents, who have been married for 50 years, live less than two miles away. We see them on a weekly basis and speak everyday. Jennifer enjoys going to "Mima & Pop-Pops" house and having lots of playtime with her grandparents. Judy's sister Barbara has two children, while her sister Janet has a son, and her brother Robbie has four children. They all live less than an hour away, which is great because our children and their cousins can see each other often!

With so many relatives and loved ones around, there always seems to be a reason to celebrate! This past August, we had David's extended family over for a big summer cookout, with burgers and hot dogs on the grill. We all played safari with Jennifer in the backyard - with Auntie Tracy acting as tour guide (pulling Jennifer in a little red wagon) and Mom and Dad playing monkeys and lions living in the wild! How silly! In October, we're looking forward to having our annual Halloween party with all of Judy's nieces and nephews in costume. It will be tricks and treats galore, so hopefully no one will miss it because they're outside waiting for the Great Pumpkin!

Our Home

We live in a cul-de-sac street in a quiet residential neighborhood of a small town in Massachusetts. Our home has 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, large family room, screened porch, basement and a 2-car garage. We have a spacious yard complete with swing set, sandbox and a play "school house."

We get along great with our neighbors and feel safe and comfortable. There are always children around playing. The neighborhood children range from 1-year-old to 18-years old.

Our Screened Porch and Backyard

When we have cookouts, all of our nieces and nephews ride our 4 go-carts (which David has reconditioned, one that he's had since his childhood). We are within 5 minutes of our town common, where they have many festivities, including a once-a-week summer concert for children, 4th of July parade (which we are in, we ride in our convertible and throw candy out to the kids and have a blast!), carnivals and an annual Italian Festival.

We think our town is a great place to raise children, which is one of the many reasons why we stayed here!