Jen: I am one of four girls…lots of hairspray, sharing clothes, and shopping going on in my household growing up! My Father served 30 years in the US Army and we moved every few years as a result. My immediate family is spread out across the Midwest and Southern US. We enjoy talking on the phone many times throughout the week and take the time to see one another several times a year. We even managed a Mom and sister trip to Hawaii last year! Jon and I are blessed with three nephews on my side. True boys, they are involved in every sport imaginable and we are very proud of them.
Jon’s Family Reunion in Vermont
Jon: Growing up was an adventure for us. My Dad was in the Army, and my two sisters and I learned how to rely on each other as we moved every two or three years. My family is very close, and spending time together is important to us. We get together for holidays, birthdays, football tailgates, and just to hang out. Jen and I especially enjoy spending time with our niece and five nephews, and consider our "jobs" as an aunt and uncle pretty special. My parents live thirty minutes away and my sisters live close enough for weekend visits. Living all over and serving in the Army for almost ten years gave me a special appreciation for what a great country this is.
Some of Our Family Traditions: First on the list is spending time together at holidays. A particular favorite of ours is spending Thanksgivings at the beach where we rent a big house that can accommodate the entire extended family. Being there brings back great memories of our childhood, as well as time to catch up with one another and celebrate in a place that is very special to us. Returning from the beach brings tree hunting season…Jon finds the biggest tree on the tree farm and straps it to the car. We play Christmas carols and spend the next several hours decorating it with ornaments from our childhood and from the many Christmas markets that we've visited while traveling overseas. Jon played football in college, and living relatively close to his school allows us to get season tickets and take in the games. We use every home game as an opportunity for a mini-reunion with family and friends. Jen takes a trip every year with her sisters and Mom for a "girls" week, and Jon and the men in our family have started a tradition of getting together for a golf week without the women!
Our House and Neighborhood
Our Home
Our home is in a wonderful neighborhood on a golf course that backs up to a state forest. The house has three bedrooms (one just waiting for the baby), is situated on a cul-de-sac, and was built about three years ago. We enjoy the open floor plan that lets in lots of light and is centered around the family room and kitchen. Our neighborhood is well diversified with families of all ages and races. The town has ski slopes, hiking trails, a rural feel, and highly rated schools. Our community is full of antique stores, dairy farms, horse farms, apple and pumpkin orchards, and petting zoos. Not only is it a great place to raise a family, it is a popular place for people to visit. Our church is five minutes away as is the regional Catholic elementary school.
Our Back Yard... 2nd Hole of a Golf Course
Gus, our horse, is boarded at a beautiful farm about ten minutes away, and he shares the 100+ acres with his buddies as well deer and wild turkey. We like the benefits of living in a place where you can enjoy the great outdoors, but are within 45 miles of a major city which offers exceptional medical facilities, colleges and universities, cultural opportunities, theatres, restaurants, and professional sports.
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