We met the end of November 2010 at Dan’s church. Alisha was invited by her cousin to come visit the church and was seated in the pew directly in front of Dan. After the service, we struck up a conversation. The next week we went on a spontaneous lunch date and never looked back. We found out we had a lot in common and knew from that day forward that we were meant for each other. As our relationship progressed, we became soul mates and best friends.  God blessed us with marriage two years later in the church where we met. Not long after we got married, we found our forever home and bought the house of our dreams. After being married for about a year, we decided we wanted to start a family. Unfortunately, after trying on our own for quite some time and multiple fertility treatments, having children on our own was not successful. After much thought and consideration, we were called to the adoption process.

 

We enjoy spending time together no matter where the day leads us, including taking in a Pittsburgh sporting event, church activities, Phipps Conservatory, or going to the local farm festival (especially in the fall). We cheer on our black and gold! Vacations at the beach or Erie are our idea of a wonderful getaway. Whether it’s just the two of us, or spending a week with family, we always have a great time. We enjoyed the beaches of North Carolina, Gulf coast of Florida, and Aruba.

 

I am and Accountant at a Pittsburgh area based national manufacturing company. I have been there for many years. I grew up in rural Westmoreland County with my parents and siblings. I have 3 brothers, 1 sister, many nieces and nephews. We were a close-knit family growing up. I enjoy spending time with my family, getting in to hands-on projects at home, church activities, cultural events, and following Pittsburgh sports teams. Go Pens/Steelers!

I have been an ICU nurse for many years at a Pittsburgh Hospital. I grew up south of Pittsburgh with my parents. I am an only child, grew very close to my extended family, and became really close with my cousins, who I consider my siblings. I enjoy the great outdoors and animals. I love to cook and get my hands dirty planting flowers. I love relaxing at the beach and cheering on Pittsburgh Sports Teams. Go Steelers and Penguins!

Dan’s family includes a sister Suzie, brothers Bob, Paul, Bill, and many nieces and nephews. We get to see them periodically throughout the year, typically on holidays. We also visit his Mom throughout the year and keep in touch more often by phone.

Alisha has a very large extended family. We spend a large amount of time with Alisha’s Dad, who lives a few miles from us. I am very close with my cousins Dawn, Diane and Mindy, their children and parents who live very close. We keep in touch with Alisha’s extended family, who live out of town, via phone and social media. Occasionally we get to visit them in person.

We live in a family friendly neighborhood close to parks, fitness activities, schools, church, and stores. We have family and friends living nearby who are excited to welcome a new member into our lives. Our church community is like a family. We have strong ties in our church community, which is about a ten minute drive from our home. We live in a comfortable 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, 2 story home with a deck overlooking a nice sized back yard where there is plenty of space for a child to play. Our nursery is completely setup with a crib, changing table, and dresser, with a beautiful view of the back yard.  We have a spacious kitchen, where we really enjoy cooking as a family. We spend equal time in our living room and family room (with a fireplace) to cozy up for the evening. Our dining room is our family place where we have get-togethers and holidays with friends and family.