Families
Our most important relationships are with our families. We both grew up in close families, so family time is very important to us. We enjoy holidays, vacations, and much of our free time with them.
Both of our families are excited for us to be on this journey to parenthood.
Ryan and his family
Ryan's parents
Ryan grew up in southern California, most of his family still lives there, but it's easy to visit across the country when you're n pilot! After graduating with a degree in biology from a university in California, Ryan moved to Chicago to attend graduate school. During grad school, Ryan decided he would follow his dreams (since he was a little boy) and fly airplanes. Ryan is now an airline captain based in Minneapolis.
Ryan's sister and her family
Ryan's younger sister and her family. She just turned one in September.
Ryan's grandma at our wedding in 2006.
Growing up, Ryan was very close to his grandparents. Ryan and his sister would go on family vacations with them every summer to places such as the old wild west to as far away as Europe. Unfortunatly, Ryan's grandpa passed away in 2001. He is still very close to his grandma, talking with her often (over the speaker for everyone who is visiting her that day to chime in!).
Michelle's family
Michelle's mom
Michelle grew up in a small western Minneapolis suburb. Michelle's parents were divorced when she was 12. Both of her parents live within 25 minutes of our home, which allows us the oppurtunity to have many family dinners and parties throughout the year. Michelle graduated from a small northern school with a degree in social work and is currently working as a social worker. Michelle is an only child with a step sister, a nephew, and a ton of extended family of almost 30 cousins! We are fortunate to have grown our family through adoption as three of Michelle's cousins were adopted as infants.
Michelle's dad and stepmom
A few of Michelle's cousins
Michelle's stepsister and her son
Ryan (by Michelle)
In his free time, Ryan enjoys mowing our lawn, bbq-ing up something spicy, and watching sports. Ryan loves baseball, his summer goal each year is to attend a game in as many different baseball stadiums as possible. His favorite teams are the Dodgers and the Cubs, but since moving to Minneapolis three years ago he has become a Twins fan too. When I look into the future, I see Ryan coaching our son or daughter's t-ball team and never missing a game. I know he'll be a great dad.
Michelle (by Ryan)
Michelle loves kids so much that she has dedicated her career as a social worker to helping children. She is so excited to be adopting! I have no doubt that she will be an excellent mother! In Michelle's free time she likes to walk our dogs, plan parties with our neighbors, quiz me on trivia, and read gossip magazines. When I look into the future, I see Michelle finger painting, reading, and going on walks with our children.