Our Home and Community
Since Roel completed his training to become a rheumatologist, we relocated to Northern Illinois. We are new to our community, but we are really enjoying it so far.
We recently purchased a home we adore. We have space for family members who visit, and we have a room we hope will one day belong to a third member of our family. We enjoy cooking at home and have acquired a number of fun kitchen gadgets over time. Our favorite is our ice cream maker — Brinton likes chocolate candy cane ice cream, and Roel loves honey lavender.
Our community is part of the Chicago suburbs, but it manages to have a small-town charm while not technically being a small town. Local schools are highly rated, and our home is within walking distance of nearby parks. There is also a lake just a short drive away. The downtown area is charming, with places we enjoy visiting, and the train to Chicago makes it easy for us to take a weekend trip to explore a museum, see a musical, or try a new restaurant. One of our favorite local spots serves a great Eggs Benedict, which happens to be a favorite for both of us.
Best of all, Brinton’s oldest sister lives nearby. She has five sons, ages eight to eighteen, and runs a school out of her home. We love going to visit them. They enjoy board games, and the more complicated the game, the more they like it.
Life Around Us
One of the things we appreciate about this area is the variety of opportunities available for children as they grow. Local libraries and park districts offer year-round programs, from early childhood activities to sports, arts, and enrichment classes that support different interests and stages of development.
Living in this part of Illinois also means experiencing all four seasons, each bringing its own rhythm to the year. From outdoor activities in the warmer months to cozy indoor traditions during the winter, there is a natural balance between activity and downtime that we have come to enjoy.
We also value how easy it is to access a wide range of experiences beyond our immediate surroundings. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, exploring new environments, or participating in community events, there are many ways for a child to learn, grow, and stay curious.
It’s a setting that offers both stability and variety — a place where everyday life feels grounded, with plenty of opportunities to discover new interests over time.
