Erin & Bennett

My husband and I have always been part of each other’s story. We grew up just down the road from one another and even played on the same pee wee soccer teams as little kids. Somehow, it still took until my senior year of high school for Bennett to finally gather the courage to ask me out. Our first date perfectly captured who we are as a couple. We stopped for milkshakes, peanut butter and chocolate for me, and fudge brownie for Bennett then spent the evening driving around with the windows down, listening to music, laughing, and talking about all the dreams and goals we hoped to accomplish one day. From that night on, we have been inseparable. Even now, some of our favorite moments together are the simplest ones. We still love getting our favorite milkshakes, taking a drive, and enjoying each other’s company. No matter where life takes us, being together always feels like coming home.

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful rural area surrounded by open fields, rolling farmland, and forests that seem to stretch for miles. Tucked behind my family’s farm sits our white farmhouse, complete with shutters and a magnificent walnut tree that casts shade across the entire front yard as the sun begins to set. Life on the farm is always exciting because there is never a shortage of animals to care for. From ducks and turkeys to pigs, cows, and horses, each day brings something new. One of our favorite pastimes is saddling up our horses to check on the livestock or heading out on trail rides together. There is something truly special about feeling a gentle breeze while exploring the countryside we are so grateful to call home.

Family has always been at the center of our lives, and we cherish every opportunity to be together. I come from a large, close-knit family that loves to gather, and Sunday nights are a treasured tradition. Every week, cousins, aunts, uncles, and even a few family friends fill the house for dinner, laughter, and plenty of sweet treats. There are always at least three desserts on the table because we all share a serious sweet tooth! Birthdays are especially meaningful to us. We celebrate each person by making their favorite meal, baking their favorite cake, and singing “Happy Birthday” with as much enthusiasm as possible. Bennett’s family shares the same love for spending time together. Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve are celebrated with large homemade feasts and full tables surrounded by the people we love most. Together, our families have created countless memories through beach days, fishing after supper, kayaking down the river, and enjoying activities that bring everyone together. One of our favorite adventures was taking a deep-sea fishing trip as a family. We are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and sense of belonging our families provide and hope to share those same traditions with a child one day.

Adoption has always been a meaningful part of my life, and in many ways, I would not be here without it. My grandmother, the oldest of six children, was adopted at the age of thirteen by a local family who provided her with love, stability, and opportunities she may not have otherwise had. She grew up to become a devoted wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur who owned her own upholstery business. My grandfather on my father’s side was also adopted and moved from the rural mountains to a busy city, where he was given the chance to build a new life. Even my best friend was adopted from China at nine months old and is now pursuing law school while being one of my greatest supporters. Their stories have taught me to cherish the sacrifice, love, and lifelong blessings that adoption brings.