Family & Home

We live in a small town in northern Minnesota, just outside of Duluth. Our home sits on five acres at the end of a quiet, dead-end road, surrounded by a peaceful mix of woods and wetlands. The neighborhood is made up of a blend of families—some with young children, others retired—and there’s a strong sense of calm, connection, and care. It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave as they pass, kids ride bikes on summer evenings, and nature is part of everyday life.

Our home is cozy, light-filled, and welcoming. The large backyard is a space we enjoy year-round. In the fall and winter, we sled with our nieces down the hill, watch snow fall from the warmth of our living room, and spot deer, rabbits, foxes, and birds at the feeders. In the spring and summer, the yard comes alive—we garden, grill on the deck, play fetch with the dogs, and enjoy dinner outdoors as the sun sets. We’re excited to grow our vegetable garden as a family and share the joy of planting, harvesting, and discovering new things together.

We love celebrating holidays and special moments—big and small—with our community of family and friends. Some of our favorite traditions include Friday night dinners at Hannah’s sister’s house in the summer, complete with lawn games and catching the ice cream truck. Erik’s stepmom and extended family also live nearby and are a regular part of our lives; we often celebrate the 4th of July together and major winter holidays. We’re also grateful for our close-knit circle of friends and enjoy hosting game nights, playing bar trivia, attending local events, and sharing meals. Whether it’s hiding Easter eggs in the yard, carving pumpkins in the fall, or ringing in the New Year with a game marathon, we believe in making space for laughter, connection, and joy.

We’re also involved in our local community in ways that reflect our values. Hannah volunteers with Cloquet Area Indivisible, helping support civic engagement and community events, and also plays in a local golf league during the warmer months. These connections keep us grounded in what matters—building relationships, contributing to positive change, and being part of something bigger than ourselves. 

As future parents, we’re excited to build a home full of warmth, curiosity, and shared experiences. We can’t wait for bedtime stories and classic kids’ books, weekly games and movie nights, and visits to zoos, museums, and aquariums. We look forward to outdoor adventures—hiking, fishing, hunting, birding, and camping with Erik’s family—and traveling together to explore new places and cultures. Holiday baking, decorating cookies, and celebrating “Family Day” will be traditions we cherish, along with the little everyday joys like crafts, nature walks, and quiet moments together. We also hope to volunteer as a family and honor our child’s cultural heritage through books, food, community events, and connection. More than anything, we want to raise a child in a space where they feel safe, celebrated, and deeply loved.