Todd and His Sisters Visit England

Todd is very close to his family. They get together several times a year celebrating holidays and birthdays. His two sisters are married with a total of six children between them. His mom and dad are a warm friendly, couple who will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Most get togethers are at Todd's parents home with kids of all ages running about playing while the adults catch up with each other and join in on the occasional game. Todd is also lucky to have two aunts that are like an extra pair of grandmas to the little ones. Those two can play Fish or hide and seek for hours! Everyone will often brave the cold to watch the Santa parade after dinner, or eat big slices of watermelon watching the fireworks in the summer.

Donna’s Family

Donna also has a close bond with her two sisters and mother. She talks with her sisters, who are both married, by phone several times a week-- just "because". Momma gets a phone call at least once a day. The whole family gets together several times a year at mom's for big dinners. Great Uncle Bill and Aunt Deloris are always there. They have become like Donna's grandparents since her's passed away several years ago. Donna will look to her mom and older sister for guidance and advice as a new mother. They both have, and are, raising their children to know that they are loved and give them the confidence to try things in life.

We have loving relationships with our in-laws. Todd helps with household projects, enjoys an occasional round of golf, and can hang out with the kids. Donna wouldn't miss the annual Christmas shopping trip with the girls. She e-mails Todd's family with weekly letters and shares recipes at family dinners. She puts a lot of thought into unique craft projects for the kids and enjoys personalizing their gifts.

Todd's family lives only an easy drive away. His mother is retired while his father is a minister. Donna's mother lives 2 hours away, but is relocating to just a few blocks away to assist with childcare and have more of a chance to be an active "grandma". Both families have been very supportive of our attempt to start a family. Everyone is very excited about welcoming an adopted child and can't wait to celebrate the arrival of a new family member.

Our Home, Safe and Secluded

We spent nearly a year looking for the perfect home. We found it four years ago. It is an older home that has quirky architectural features that make it stand out from the crowd. We were drawn to its soaring ceilings, exposed woodwork, and sunny interiors. It has a well-planned layout on three levels including four bedrooms, 21/2 baths, family room, living room, dining room, and breakfast nook. With an almost 2 acre lot, there is a ton of room outside to entertain, play, and explore. The lawns are big enough for swing sets and sandboxes plus have enough room for a ballgame or hitting golf balls. The woods are perfect for tree houses and forts. There is even a hill for sledding in the winter. Our home is part of a small development. We are the last family on the cul de sac. It is so quiet here that the neighborhood children can safely ride their bikes or skateboards on the street. Our neighbors are wonderful. Everyone is friendly and quick to help while respecting each other's privacy. Just a few blocks away there is a larger development where Donna's mom is planning to relocate. We often walk the dogs over to there and really enjoy watching all the children playing outside.

Perfect Place for a Picnic

Our town has amazing contrasts. There are open pastures with sheep and cows only a short distance from the cultural district. There are miles of hiking and bike trails as well as theatres presenting musicals and plays. There are several community parks and pools as well as an open-air pavilion that often sponsors free concerts, movies, and festivals. You can eat the best pancakes ever from a local diner or eat pan-seared trout from an upscale restaurant. As a university town, we have a diverse cultural blend. There are numerous educational opportunities as well as organizations and activities to join--anything from the standard 4H or Girl Scouts to archery or lacrosse. We have the security of state-of-the-art medical treatment as well as the excitement of collegiate competitions. Our home is situated in an area rich in historical importance and natural scenic wonders. As a couple, we hope to pass on our love of exploring these sites to a child.