Travels

We enjoy taking quick road trips over long weekends or fun-filled vacations. It really doesn't matter where we go, we always enjoy the time spent together. Here are a few of our recent adventures including a wonderful trip to the Big Island of Hawaii (we swam with dolphins!), New Year's with our closest friends and their children at a snowy cabin in Big Bear Lake, and most recently, the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.







Our Home

We live in a suburb in Southern California. Our neighborhood has big trees, great schools and lots of families, pets and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also walking trails, a nearby lake and a shopping village, where we often grab a quick ice cream after a walk with our dog, Toby.


Every year, we visit the local flower fields.

We enjoy a wonderfully diverse city, culturally and geographically. Because of the proximity to Mexico, there is a great Spanish influence and in less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy the beautiful Southern California coast, snowy mountains in the winter or rugged dessert. Our city is a major tourist destination and we often enjoy playing "tourist" ourselves with trips to the San Diego Zoo, Sea World or Disneyland.


Hanging with our friend, Seamore, at Sea World.



Meet Derek

"When I first met Derek, I knew I had met my match. He is a very sweet, kind and gentle man. He never takes a moment for granted and lives for today. He cherishes long-time friendships and family. Derek is an animated storyteller who hopes to one day publish a children's book." -- Malinda



Derek in Spain... but that's Africa in the distance.


Derek is a big sports fan and enjoys football, baseball and hockey.


Hanging out with our nephews. Looks like someone just woke up!


Meet Malinda

"Malinda is the love of my life and my best friend. She truly has a kind heart and puts the needs of others before herself. I know she will be a loving mother who cherishes every moment with a child. Everyday, I feel fortunate to have met someone who shares similar goals and dreams." -- Derek



A beautiful fall day in Madrid, Spain.


Hanging out with our dog, Toby, at a local park.


Being silly on the way to Palm Springs.






Introductions

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us.We know that you are facing a difficult decision and we admire your strength and courage as you think about the future of your child. We have hopes and dreams of starting our family through open adoption. Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you.

We met in August 2001 and became instant friends and married in 2004. We enjoy spending time with family, friends, and our furry family, including our dog, Toby; kitties, Madie and Joey; and parrot, Merlin.

We love traveling and make time for quick road trips or extended travel throughout the U.S. or abroad to Mexico, Canada or Europe.

It is our hope for our children to grow up in a home full of laughter, love and adventure. We hope to expose them to different cultures and traditions, as well as far off places.



We hope this blog will provide you with a quick snapshot of the life we have created together. We have a great deal of love to give and hope you will feel comfort in knowing that a child raised in our home will be loved, cherished and respected, not only by us, but by the many family and friends who surround us with their love and support.

We look forward to getting to know you.