Some of Andy’s Extended Family

Andy is an only child and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. His father was a banker and early on Andy tried to be just like Dad, even wearing a tie and carrying a little briefcase. Education was very important, but so was having fun. He played baseball, golfed with Dad and found his true passion - hockey. His parents were so supportive of him and traveled far and wide to watch him play hockey, from learn-to-skate all the way through his college years. Andy has a very close relationship with his mom, especially since his dad has passed away. She lives just a few miles away in a retirement community and is anxiously awaiting a new family addition. Holidays, barbecues and milestone celebrations (weddings, graduations, baptisms) provide many opportunities to get together with aunts, uncles and cousins who also live in the area.

Elizabeth's Family

Elizabeth is the oldest, and the only girl. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs with rough and tumble younger brothers, keeping very busy with school, band, Girl Scouts and church activities. Summers were spent at the beach in Michigan with close family friends as well as at the baseball fields cheering on brothers Joe and Eric (who played against future husband Andy). Time spent at her aunt and uncle's farm in northern Wisconsin was especially treasured, visiting with cousins, taking care of the barn cats and going for walks or tractor rides through the woods. Since everyone seemed to like Wisconsin so well, now most of the family lives there -- fortunately it's not too far a drive. Elizabeth has a very special bond with her mom, particularly strong after losing her father while in college. And she has a great relationship with her step-dad. Joe, now single, has a daughter and two sons and Eric loves being an Uncle and taking care of his dog Rocky.

Home, Sweet Home!

After a short time living out of state, we came back home and bought a new house in a welcoming and family-friendly suburb near a large, metropolitan city. The school system is excellent, there are cultural activities as well as a thriving downtown area and beautiful parks with playgrounds, bike paths, lakes, you name it.

We bought our house with plans for starting a family - there are 4 bedrooms, a kitchen that's connected to a large family room with lots of windows and a beautiful fireplace. We have a big, grassy backyard with lots of room to roam. The basement is finished and it includes a room that is just ready and waiting to become a playroom.

Searching for Easter Eggs

We love our neighborhood because it is filled with young children (and future playmates!) and there are lots of family, social and playgroup activities. There are swing sets in neighboring yards, a park at the end of our street, and a pool and basketball court at the other end of our street, so there's no shortage of fun things to do. We have a neighborhood swim team, summer picnics and barbeques as well as an annual Easter egg hunt, Christmas dinner and breakfast with Santa.

Our neighbors are so warm and friendly - we have a great group of friends who have fun together and look out for each other. We get together for block parties, football games, birthday parties and holiday celebrations. We are active members of a Catholic church within a five-minute drive that has become a second neighborhood to us. Here we have found tremendous support and love from friends whom we cherish deeply. We have a supportive network of family and friends who just can't wait for us to become parents.