Some of Nancy’s Extended Family

Nancy is the youngest after 3 boys, from Irish and Italian parents. Her parents brought them up to see others for who they are inside, and we exemplify this in our diverse life choices.

Her oldest brother, Richard, is nicknamed "Ranger Rick", in part because he is an Eagle Scout, and he continues to participate in various trail groups, hiking and canoeing with his wife, Jill, and son. Another brother, David, is a principal in a financial advisory group. His wife Debbie is a doctor of geriatric medicine, and is from a Chinese /Polynesian background. Their two daughters are currently learning and performing the dances of their heritage. Her third brother passed away while serving as a Major in the U.S. Armed Forces. His wife and three children are African-American. Even though it has been a few years since his passing, we have never thought of Denise as anything but our sister-in-law. Nancy's mom was also widowed early. She was a nurse for 40 years, and an excellent cook. Since retiring, she keeps herself busy and fit with community activities and dancing.

Four Generations of Andy’s Family

Andy is the older of two boys, both adopted as infants. His father worked as a petroleumworked as a petroleum engineer, and his mother worked at home, making the house warm and comfortable for the family. Dad was fortunate to retire early. Now he and mom spend lots of time fishing, farming, and creating new projects for their house. His brother, Daniel, is a chef and an artist, and has won awards for his artwork. He is currently putting his art talents to work as a landscaper.

Andy has a special relationship with his paternal grandparents, as he shares a birthday with his grandmother and a love for engines with his grandfather. His grandfather grew up in an orphanage located on a farm, and learned to work the various machinery there. Visiting Grandma and Grandpa is a delight. Their land has lots of old tractors and trucks, and some equipment to work on them.

We all remain in close contact even if we do not live nearby. We continually call, email and exchange pictures. We even plan vacations around a family visit. Family gatherings happen as often as possible, and tend to be good fun.

Both of our families were excited to hear we planned to adopt. They welcomed our daughter, Anna, with as much love as they had for any other niece, nephew, or grandchild. They are looking forward to sharing that love with another new family member as much as we are.

Our Home

Our home is in Georgia, situated in a small residential neighborhood that was established in the 1980's. Most of the homes sit on an acre of land, which affords plenty of room for everyone to have pets, even horses. It is a mixed community with many varied residents, including young families and retirees. We picked this area with a family in mind. There are schools, churches, playing fields, and the town itself within a couple of miles. The State Fair is nearby, and many national parks for hiking and camping. Lots of farms in the surrounding area offer fresh fruit and vegetables, and apple and pumpkin picking in the fall.

Our Cats Fred and Bobcat

Our house has four bedrooms, a dining room, living room, kitchen, and two and a half baths. We have one and a half acres, and are currently doing our own landscaping. This includes putting up a play set, as well as a walk-through rock garden. Our patio is almost finished, and we are looking forward to sitting outside and barbequing.

We have spent the last year and a half remodeling and updating the house, again doing most of the work ourselves. Andy does the major construction, with Nancy as runner and crew. Our freshly painted and carpeted rooms are filled with comfy furniture and lots of framed photos. Some of our wall hangings are special made by family. Our two cats are gentle and playful, and enjoy a warm lap.

We have put so much of ourselves into our home. We have made it a very cozy and welcoming place, so much so that our families have always enjoyed staying with us, even before we unpacked and decorated.