"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." - George Moore

Our 1880's colonial house has charm and character and it is located in a New England village where parents walk their kids to school, the library, the play grounds, and of course, the locally owned toy store. Our home has been the primary gathering place for both our families. It is not uncommon to have very large gatherings and to cook for them all. Our nieces and nephews enjoy "camping out" here, as they call it. Our fenced in back yard is a great play area for the warm weather gatherings and our cozy fireplace room warms up the winter holiday season. We look forward to raising a family in this close knit community.

Encouragement, education and opportunity were the crucial benefits during our childhoods. Now, as socially responsible adults in our community, we honor the opportunity to provide a child with these same benefits.

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." -Malcolm Forbes

The course of your life can change unexpectedly with the influence of the people around you. This was the case for Christopher who was pushed by a family friend to apply for a full hockey scholarship to a prestigious boarding school. The next thing he knew was he was taking his first airplane ride to school, a ride that would inspire him to become an airline pilot. With small student to teacher ratios and a focus on personal responsibility the importance of education took on new meaning for Christopher.

Ken found his calling the first day of his college architecture program. He threw himself into his projects with passion and enthusiasm that has carried over to his professional career. With numerous awards for environmentally conscience architecture Ken understands that his education was the essential foundation for a successful career.

"I decided that adventure is the best way to learn." - Llyod Alexander

We discover ourselves by connecting the world around us. It could be hiking to a mountain top, riding a train through the south of France, standing in a field with only the sounds of sheep in the highlands of Scotland or walking in the Halloween Parade in our town. Adventure near and far is how we better understand each other and the world.

"I get by with a little help from my friends."- John Lennon

Apple cider, pickles, maple syrup, and peach cobbler; no matter what time of year there is something to make on our trips to Stone Ridge to visit our friends Joanna and Michael and her parents Lee and Sylvia. Our friends Pip and Tanna invited us to stay at their family castle in the south of France and we wandered through vineyards with Rob and Lynn. Our neighbors Dave and Lori will signal us with a flashlight to let us know that dinner is ready. We bring as many friends to Ken's family camp as will fit on the sleeping porch. The more the merrier as far as we are concerned, and with all of them having kids, our child will have a pack of friends to grow and play with.

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family, whatever you call it, whoever you are you need one." - Jane Howard

Ken's family gathers every year on the fourth of July at the Family Cabin, and every year there are new additions or faces we haven't seen in a while. Bring your swimsuit and some food to share and you'll be welcome. With five brothers, and 25 years between them Chris' family gatherings are boisterous and lively events. Chris' dad Ralph usually shows up with an outrageous hat to entertain the kids (if not an entire clown outfit). Our families are big because everyone is included, we are looking forward to making it bigger with our adopted child.

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." - David Ogden Stiers

We understand that considering an adoption plan is a difficult decision for you and hope that this story of our lives helps you understand the type of home and life your child would have with us. All the best with whatever choice you make.

Ken & Chris