We dated a little over a year before we got engaged and then a year later married.

We both were married before – she had two daughters – I had two sons – and we had each other.

We lived way out in the country – the driveway was 1/10th of a mile long –

great in winter to sled ride.

That first year I mowed everything by hand – it took five days!

And then – rest for two and start over again – we bought a riding mower!

Those early years were lean years – combining two sets of kids –

running back and forth – very little extra money –

but we survived and to this day look back fondly on all those times.

We would pack breakfast – lunch, and dinners – take adventures –

the kids loved it.

Camping – in tents – visiting friends.

Marriages – moving – college – our family was just the two of us.

The kids were gone – we had moved from the country and into town.

Now – the house was empty and we had the opportunity to transfer to NVA.

We bought and sold three houses in NVA.

My sons stayed in Pa.

But – it seemed like the extended family all moved to NVA.

The family stayed in Pa. and Va. – her sister is building a small condo near us.

The family has visited us many times – my sons are coming end of summer.