Family and Friends
Immediate Family
We are very close with my parents. Every day I talk with my mom and we enjoy lively monthly dinners with both my parents.
Growing up, Tom and I both shared close relationships with our respective Swedish grandmothers. Reflecting on that special bond, both our parents are excited to become grandparents.
Tom has two brothers whom he loves dearly and we both look forward to spending Christmas Eve each year with them.
My sister, Larissa, has special needs. She was a perfectly healthy baby but when she was three months old, she had an interrupted SIDS (Sudden Infant Death) episode. Now she lives in a community home with three other special needs women and their caretakers.
Growing up with my special needs sister taught me to give and care for others, to be empathic and nurturing, and to look beyond external limitations to see the beauty in people.
Being a family with a special needs member significantly impacted me. Our family dynamic circled around my sister’s needs and care. I think the constant sharing of responsibility cemented our emotional bond.
-
Extended Family
Our East Coast-based extended family enjoys summers at our lovely cabin in New Hampshire. Each year, all the generations share in the excitement of canoe races, swimming, and fishing on the lake. I look forward to teaching my future child to roast the perfect s’more over the campfire!
I am very close with my extended family who live in Chicago, Illinois and Dallas, Texas. My Chicago family loves fashion, international food, and gardening. My Texas family loves grilling, boating, cars, and Boy Scout activities.
Pictured: Brianna (third from left) with her East Coast-based extended family.
-
Friends
Our friends are a huge part of our life. We use the term “framily” to describe friends who are as close as family. Of course, my very close girl friends are all excited to welcome a new baby into our circle and to become “aunties.”
The many children of my close friends continually enrich our lives. We feel blessed to be a part of their children’s lives. We can’t wait to take my future child on different adventures with them!
Pictured: Brianna (third from left) and Tom (far right) celebrate Thanksgiving with their family and friends.
Holiday dinner with Brianna's parents.
With Brianna's parents and grandmother.
Enjoying football Sunday with friends.
Brianna (second from left) with her Texas-based extended family.
Brianna (second from left) loves taking her friends and their kids out on her sailboat.
Tom's cooking is a highlight of the holidays.
Brianna's extended family.