Mark’s Extended Family

Mark is the oldest of five children, three boys and two girls. The second oldest, his sister Kristina, has three boys and lives in Florida. The rest of his family lives in Missouri, all within a two-hour range of where we live. The third oldest, his sister Katherine, is married and has pretty much modeled Mark's interests, career, activities, etc… and once she heard we were adopting, she began considering the same for her family. The fourth oldest, his bother Nathan, just recently married and the new sister-in-law was adopted and has spoken to us on many occasions of her experience and has enjoyed educating us on adoption. The youngest, Karl, has been married for two years and is planning a big family and are excited that we would have a child around the same age of their children. Mark's parents, Myron and Judy, still live on the farm.

Christmas with Patty’s Family at Our Home

Everyone looks forward to the weekends when we all get together. Even though we see each other just about every weekend we really look forward to the holidays and the activities that surround the holidays. Judy is one of those mothers that has to have a theme for each holiday, whether it be the 4th of July, Saint Patrick's Day, Halloween or even Flag day. Her house is always decorated for the seasons.

Patty is the youngest of six children, three boys and three girls. All of her siblings live in Missouri within a two-hour range of where we live.

We have a ton of little nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. With spouses, kids, kids’ spouse and their kids we would say that Patty's side of the family has over thirty people that we celebrate the holidays with.

We celebrate the holidays with Patty's family on the opposite days as Mark's family. That was a tradition that Patty's mother started so that the grandchildren can have quality time with both families. We usually host the bigger family get togethers, like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and my brother David hosts the others and typically has at least one barbeque throughout the year.

Our Home

Our house is very unique and different from the other houses in our neighborhood. It is a two-story home, actually three if you count the walkout basement, four garages to allow ample room for bikes and other outdoor equipment, four bedrooms and a spacious open kitchen and living room.

We are lucky to live in a city that is family friendly. We have multiple parks, walking trails, biking trails, soccer and ball fields, and organized events to get people active in the community.

Easter Egg Hunt at Our Home

While being in the city, our home is located on a safe and quiet cul-de-sac in a very cozy neighborhood that has kids of all ages. Our backyard has a garden, an herb garden, and areas to play and explore. When we moved into our neighborhood over six years ago, it was like moving back into time. One neighbor baked some cookies, another neighbor brought over some brownies, and all were very friendly.

We are very impressed with the schools in our area. Besides being ranked among the best in the state for providing an excellent education, the kids in our neighborhood have opportunities that involve competing and traveling around the world.