Family
Family
Family means everything to us, and we are blessed to have an incredible support system around us. Tori’s mom has been eagerly counting down the minutes until she can finally become a grandma again, something she’s dreamed of for years. In fact, when we first brought our families together for Thanksgiving after just two months of dating, we secretly shared a toast to future grandkids.
When we lost our baby boy, Owen, our family truly showed up for us in the hardest of times. Tori’s mom and Dan’s dad took the night shifts, sitting by Owen’s side, singing to him. Even though the hospital was more than an hour away, our parents never hesitated to be there. While only two visitors were allowed in the NICU due to COVID, the rest of our family never stopped praying, bringing food, doing laundry, and sending gifts for Owen. When things get tough, we know we can count on our family to be there, no matter what.
Tori’s Family
Tori’s parents, sisters, aunts, and grandparents all live within an hour’s drive, and they are incredibly close-knit.
Her sister is hoping to have kids soon as well, so our little one will have cousins to grow up with. Tori’s parents are retired and already planning a summer camp tradition full of activities for the grandkids, complete with a home-built playhouse that’s in the works.
Dan’s Family
Dan’s parents have both remarried but still live just 15 minutes away from our home in Boulder. They are brilliant and fluent in both French and Spanish, and they can’t wait to teach our child anything and everything they want to know about languages and the world.
Dan’s sister lives in Santa Monica with two young kids of her own. We cherish the time we get to spend with our niece and nephew, and Tori has claimed her spot as the “fashionable aunt,” always gifting cheetah print and plaid outfits for birthdays and Christmas. Dan takes his role as the mischievous uncle, helping the kids get away with all sorts of silly trouble.
Our Traditions
Silly Holiday Hats
Tori’s mom always insists on ridiculous hats. We put them on to appease her, but by the end of the day we’re cracking up .
Thanksgiving on beach
Dan’s stepmom’s very large family hosts two big vacations every year on the California coast, renting out multiple houses next door. They also make soup for Thanksgiving and turkey the next day.
Hands in!
Tori’s family leaves every family gathering with an all-hands cheers. It’s silly, sometimes embarrassing, but always fun.
