We were both born and raised in Richmond, VA and feel incredibly blessed that both of our families still live nearby. Having them close has been such a gift as we build our life and family together.

Sarah’s parents, “Koko and Daddoo,” live just minutes away, as do her sisters, Megan and Karen-Anne, their husbands, Will and Patrick, and their five children. George and Charlie are so lucky to have five cousins and we feel incredibly grateful that our boys are growing up surrounded by so much love. We help one another with school pickups and activities everyday. Megan (Will) and Karen-Anne (Patrick) are like second parents to our children, and we feel the same way about their little ones.

 

Sarah’s parents are the kind of grandparents every child deserves—always present, always helpful, and completely devoted to their grandchildren. “Koko and Daddoo” love being part of the boys’ everyday lives. Koko is a familiar face at their schools and among their friends. You’ll find them both at every grandchild’s game or match cheering from the sidelines, always so proud. From sporting events to sleepovers, pool days, playground trips, and University of Richmond games, they never miss a beat with their beloved grandchildren. Their home is a grandkid paradise, with a playroom and endless indoor and outdoor toys for all to enjoy. One of our most favorite family traditions is our annual Christmas gathering at their house.

 

We spend lots of time together in Richmond, and often take the boys to Virginia Beach for extended visits with Sarah’s family, who spend most of the summer there. With cousins ranging from one to ten years old, the children spend their days together like siblings, and the beach has become the setting for some of our most cherished family memories.

 

Kevin’s parents, “Mayma and Pop,” and his older brother, Brian, also live close by. Being “Mayma and Pop” brings them so much joy! The boys love growing up surrounded by family on both sides. One of our favorite summer adventures is visiting Kevin’s family land in the mountains, where the boys can run, explore, and enjoy nature. We also enjoy visiting their home in Wintergreen, VA. They love coming by to see the boys at our home in Richmond, often bringing a fun new game or activity such as balloons or bubbles! Kevin’s parents host an annual Thanksgiving lunch we look forward to every year.

 

We both grew up surrounded by loving families and always dreamed of creating that same kind of home for our children. We love the beach, zoo, museums, Maymont, sporting events, playdates, and cheering on their cousins at weekend games. George enjoys swimming, soccer, Little Ninjas, and tennis just like Mom and Dad, while Charlie is starting to discover his own interests through swimming and toddler art classes.

 

We are also fortunate to live in a neighborhood filled with young families. On most afternoons, our cul-de-sac is full of little ones riding bikes, playing hide-and-seek, running through sprinklers, and enjoying Friday night pizza parties. In the fall, we love gathering with Sarah’s siblings and their families for Sunday cookouts and football.

 

We feel incredibly blessed to have this kind of family and friend support, love and connection. If we are fortunate enough to welcome another child into our family, they would not simply be joining our family of four — they would be surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends who would love them deeply and cheer them on through every stage of life. It is one of the greatest gifts we could give a child: a childhood filled with family, belonging, community, and a whole lot of love. George and Charlie are loving, affectionate boys who adore being around children and family, and we know they are going to welcome another sibling with open arms.