Nichole’s Family

Nichole is the oldest of 3 children. She has a brother and a sister. Her sister was considered the "baby" of the family and they are very close. Because Nichole lives in Germany, it is very important to her and Mike that they email and talk on the phone to their family members every week. They make sure that they visit their families twice a year in the summer and at Christmas. Family gatherings are a tradition for Nichole's family. Growing up Nichole's grandpa and grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins would get together at the farm house every Christmas, Easter and 4th of July. The focus was always in the kitchen cooking the family's favorite foods. Even today when the family gets together they cook their favorite foods and play card games.

Mike’s Family

Mike’s extended family lives within an hours drive from where he grew-up in Missouri. It is easy to see Mike's family whenever they travel back to the US. The holidays are always special for Mike's family. Everybody picks a name from a drawing and then they have a gift exchange. When the whole family gets together they usually have a big meal followed by watching football or baseball on the TV. In the summer, they enjoy the swimming pool at Mike's cousin or sister's house.

Both our families are very excited about our adoption. Nichole's family is so excited to add a little member to their family gatherings. Your child would be the first grandchild for Nichole's immediate family and they are so excited! Mike's family is also very excited for the adoption. All of Mike's aunts and uncles will be racing around the world to see the child.

Our German Home

Our house is on a quiet street in a small German town. Every morning we can watch all the tractors drive by as the farmers head out to the fields for the day. We also hear the church bells telling everyone what time it is or if they are going to be late for church on Sundays. We can walk or ride our bikes to the next village and get fresh baked bread and other goodies from the local bakery. There are a few restaurants close by as well that we can either drive to or order delivery on those nights we don't feel like cooking.

Our German Village

We live near a German kindergarten where your child can learn another language. Germany is very "kid friendly". There are wonderful water parks and animal parks within 30 minutes of us. We speak a little German and they speak a little English, but everyone says "Hello".

Nearby are two Air Force bases, which provide schools, play groups, playgrounds, and clinics for our basic needs. The military helps us find the perfect house whenever we move. They give us listings and advice to ensure we find just what we need. We have the freedom to make sure we will always have a stable and comfortable home with enough rooms for a child's room and play room. The Air Force is a wonderful part of our lives that will provide resources to help us raise a happy and healthy child.