Kendall & Andrew In Arizona

I was lucky enough to meet the love of my life during high school, in Arizona, Andrew. No matter how far we traveled for work or college, we both always managed to land back in the Chandler/Gilbert area. One year when my grandfather was passing, I picked everything up and traveled home to be with family. That very weekend, I ran into Andrew and we reconnected. Since senior year of college, we have been inseparable. Almost 10 years later, we are still coaching and playing volleyball, watching football on the weekends, traveling and exploring new places, and working out together. Despite the jokes we make with our friends, my husband is still the best gym partner I have ever had.

We got married in October of 2021 in my parents' backyard surrounded by 200 of our closest friends and family (I know, we have a HUGE family). It was the wedding of our dreams, and we are so thankful we were blessed enough to experience it together. We share our Christian faith and beam with excitement when we think about how God will continue to grow our family. We have the most precious son who has the most fun personality. We just simply cannot wait to fill our weekends up with youth sports, travel, and church as a growing family.

Kenny Row is 16 months old and a little firecracker. He is obsessed with Elmo, looks like his dad and loves his dogs. He also loves cars, dancing and throwing the ball (literally any ball). Fortunately, he was blessed with height, because he is as long as the day and still a little wobbly on his feet. This little boy is going to make the best big brother. Seeing him with friends and other babies warms our hearts. He is ready to show his little brother or sister the ropes; everything from toys, books, and dogs to parks, sports and snacks!

We parent with reasonable expectations but most importantly, with respect and love. We believe with love and respect, paired with boundaries, children teach us just as much as we teach them. Within a safe and loving environment, we want our child and future children to feel supported, confident and self-assured in their decision making.

Tank is our 5 year old bull mastiff mix, but really just mixed with affection (and food…). Tank is a big boy, with a big heart. Though he thinks he is the size of a chihuahua he is fierce with his protection of kids. He will lay with Kenny, standby for treats, and purposely run around to get him to laugh. Tank is our 5 year old bull mastiff mix, but really just mixed with affection (and food…).

Cooper is much smaller than Tank, he is skinny but cuddly. Cooper is a total sweetheart but can get scared easily. First, he will act tough and protective, but then once he makes sure Kenny Row is safe, he lays right on top of you. Cooper has never met a couch or bed he didn’t love and will be the first to lay down with the baby, outside their crib for nap time.

We live in Gilbert, AZ in a beautiful neighborhood next to 5 schools. One of which is a private Christian School, and another is for accelerated learning for talented kids. We love our neighborhood, which has four parks. It’s super close in proximity to grandma and grandpa's house, and grandma Elisa’s house! Which is great, because we see them about 3 times a week, each!

Currently we live in a five-bedroom home; we intend on making one of those rooms a new nursery for the addition of this child (or children), and upgrading Kenny’s room to a big boy/toddler room. Another room will be a shared playroom.

Our area of Gilbert, AZ is exceptionally diverse and fast growing. We are near the historic district which is currently being renovated and rejuvenated with restaurants and parks. We find ourselves there, or at the pool on most hot weekends. In 2024 Gilbert, AZ was considered 6th in the nation for places or towns to raise a family. Arizona might be hot, but we are equipped with a pool (fenced for safety), plenty of indoor sports facilities, and splash pads for little ones!

KENDALL'S FAMILY

I grew up with 2 brothers, a foster sister, both parents, and dogs! I was raised in a strict household, but there was a whole lot of love. Seeing my parents become grandparents, has truly been the highlight of my life.

We as a family are incredibly active in our community. High school and college sports, family-owned businesses, and homes within miles of each other; we manage to stay busy. Every big holiday we get together, normally at my parents’ home (they have a large backyard, in fact that’s where we got married) and participate in white elephants, food, and games. We often have friends, family-friends, or even friends of friends enjoy the holidays with us. My family always taught us “kids” that holidays are the best time to show someone they are loved. Therefore, in college when my college roommates could not go home for their Thanksgiving, they always had a place at my family’s table. My family became very accustomed to meeting new people and feeding extra mouths at all holidays, and still do as I am an adult.

ANDREW'S FAMILY

Andrew grew up in Chandler with his brother, James, who is 20 months older. His parents were divorced when he was 5, so he lived in two homes, both filled with love. He spent equal time with each parent, as neither wanted to miss time with Andrew and James. His mom, Elisa, was an elementary school teacher, so had vacations and summers off with the boys. They traveled to spend time with family, go camping with friends, and explore new places.

His dad, John, worked in the restaurant remodeling business. He was remarried, and he and Ashley had two more boys, whom Andrew and James adore. Growing up, Andrew spent holidays and birthdays with his Arizona cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They too, did white elephant gift exchanges, played games, swam in his backyard pool, had picnics, and always had great times together.

Andrew was always involved in sports, so from a young age played basketball, soccer, and then found volleyball, his passion. He quickly got involved with club volleyball and loved the people, coaches, competition, and the entire volleyball community. This led to his passion with fitness and coaching and helped him find the love of his life, Kendall.

We are a very active family – if we are not travelling, coaching/playing sports, or at the gym, we are likely hanging out friends and family. We are so blessed to have friends in many states, travel often, and explore new places. We are also equally as blessed to have family and friends who love the same activities. Eventually we will be spending more weekends at the lake and playing youth sports/team games, but right now, Kenny is still too young for those fun memories to be made. As a family we cannot wait for those moments ahead.

We believe in building a family. Though it may not be “traditional” compared to others, we have been excited to grow through adoption since we were dating. Infertility treatment led to the beautiful birth of our son, Kenny. While we recognize that another pregnancy might not be in our future, adoption has always been on the forefront of our minds, along with making Kenny a big brother. We are so blessed to be considered in your adoption journey.