Mandy & Dave

Hoping to Adopt (Iowa)

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Amanda and David

This is one of the many races we finished! Although we do not usually finish together, we love meeting up at the finish line.

This is one of the many races we finished! Although we do not usually...

We love kids, and with so many friends with families, we have had a lot of opportunities to practice. Dave is the kindest individual and is going to make an amazing dad.

We love kids, and with so many friends with families, we have had a lo...

Our 2 pups! Tokes (Scottish Terrier) on the left is 8, and Stella (Toy Australian Shepard) on the right is 2. Stella joined our family last summer when our neighbor could no longer care for her.

Our 2 pups! Tokes (Scottish Terrier) on the left is 8, and Stella (Toy...

Our house sits on a hill on a cul-de-sac and overlooks the town. We have perfect views of the sunsets, and in Iowa they never disappoint.

Our house sits on a hill on a cul-de-sac and overlooks the town. We ha...

Mandy's sister and sister-in-law were so thoughtful and threw us a baby shower this past summer. We're so amazed at the amount of love shown to us.

Mandy's sister and sister-in-law were so thoughtful and threw us a bab...

When we took this picture, we were thinking and praying about adoption. Little did we know that a couple of months later God would lead us to Gladney!

When we took this picture, we were thinking and praying about adoption...

We went out to dinner with family and decided to go to a cave and watch bats swirl out at dusk!

We went out to dinner with family and decided to go to a cave and watc...

We absolutely love traveling and golfing. This was the best of both. In 2018 we visited the oldest golf course in Scotland.

We absolutely love traveling and golfing. This was the best of both. I...

After a hike during our trip to Scotland. This hike ended up taking way longer than anticipated, but was so worth it!

After a hike during our trip to Scotland. This hike ended up taking wa...

This past summer we were asked to be host/hostess at a wedding. One of us researched the week leading up to the wedding, the other winged it :).

This past summer we were asked to be host/hostess at a wedding. One of...

Family

Although my brother is the tallest, he is also the youngest. When we were younger, my sister and I used to torment him by dressing him up as a girl. It didn't last very long though, he grew up too fast!

Although my brother is the tallest, he is also the youngest. When we w...

Our 2 nephews are both in high school and just keep growing. Dave and I enjoy watching them play soccer in the spring and run cross country in the fall.

Our 2 nephews are both in high school and just keep growing. Dave and...

Most of my (Dave) family lives close, so we see them weekly. However 2 brothers live elsewhere, so we have to take advantage of our visits!

Most of my (Dave) family lives close, so we see them weekly. However 2...

We met my family rented a house at the Ozarks for a week. It was on the trip that I realized how deathly scared of deep water my sister is. One splash of the water and I've never seen her move so fast.

We met my family rented a house at the Ozarks for a week. It was on th...

Over the 4th of July, we visited my family. From left: Eliza (niece), Brooke (sisiter-in-law), my mom (Vicki), Alicia (sister).

Over the 4th of July, we visited my family. From left: Eliza (niece),...

We see Dave's family weekly for Sunday dinners, and his mom loves a good themed birthday dinner. Our favorite thus far has been Harry Potter.

We see Dave's family weekly for Sunday dinners, and his mom loves a go...

Mandy came to Iowa through college, so her family lives in another state. But we see them several times a year as we are quite close.

Mandy came to Iowa through college, so her family lives in another sta...

Bonket is a Dutch pastry that all of the old ladies growing up used to make. This past Christmas Mandy and her sisters learned how to make their own.

Bonket is a Dutch pastry that all of the old ladies growing up used to...

One of our favorite things to do as a family it to sit around, talk, and simply be together. There is usually a basketball game, football game, or a Cubs game playing in the background. These are the moments that stick in my memory.

One of our favorite things to do as a family it to sit around, talk, a...

Mandy's dad had heart surgery a couple of years ago, since then, there is always a puzzle laying around. It's become a family affair.

Mandy's dad had heart surgery a couple of years ago, since then, there...

Travel

We went to Austria for our honeymoon. This was Dave's first experience with small European roads, and with menus in German, meal times were always a guessing game.

We went to Austria for our honeymoon. This was Dave's first experience...

Hallstatt, Austria is a small village sandwiched between a lake and a mountain side. We walked around the small village all day eating ice cream and stopping in small shops.

Hallstatt, Austria is a small village sandwiched between a lake and a...

Our second oversees trip together was Ireland. We decided to take this trip after around a year of infertility treatments. We were both emotionally tired and needed a get away. We rented a car and traveled around the south half of the island.

Our second oversees trip together was Ireland. We decided to take this...

We both love history, so Dublin was right up out alley. We weren't really sure what the sculpture in this picture was, but Dave thought it looks like the Death Star on Star Wars. Dave's favorite movie series.

We both love history, so Dublin was right up out alley. We weren't rea...

While in Ireland, we visited the Blarney Castle. The story is visitors need to kiss the stone at the top of the castle for the gift of gab. They don't tell visitors that you have lean over a 2 foot gap in order to do so.

While in Ireland, we visited the Blarney Castle. The story is visitors...

This was one of our favorite spots in Ireland. They are the Cliffs of Moor. Dave is semi-scared of heights, so walking up to the edge was not something he was eager to do. However, the sight of the cliffs took our breaths away.

This was one of our favorite spots in Ireland. They are the Cliffs of...

Once arriving in London, we took the train to an underground station that was supposed to be close to our B&B. The problem was when we couldn't read the address and had no clue how to use the tube system in London. So thankful for friendly Brits!

Once arriving in London, we took the train to an underground station t...

After London, we drove to York where we met the sweetest lady that was so fascinated with what life was like in Iowa. She called it

After London, we drove to York where we met the sweetest lady that was...

Golf is one our favorite hobbies as a couple. The one request Dave had on this trip was to visit St. Andrews in Scotland which is referred to as the birthplace of golf. He was giddy with excitement.

Golf is one our favorite hobbies as a couple. The one request Dave had...

While in St. Andrews, Dave wanted to golf one of the golf courses. The course ended up being so incredible small. Not to question his skills, but I was legitimately concerned we were going to hit someone.

While in St. Andrews, Dave wanted to golf one of the golf courses. The...

After St. Andrews, we headed to the Isle of Sky. While driving around the island, we decided to walk along the coast. We were the only people and were greeted by a couple of friendly seals.

After St. Andrews, we headed to the Isle of Sky. While driving around...

While is Scotland, we stopped on the side of the road and rested along the hillside to take a break from white-knuckle driving. It ended up being my favorite hour we spent. Just the 2 of us with a cup of coffee, watching tourists park.

While is Scotland, we stopped on the side of the road and rested along...

My favorite childhood book is

My favorite childhood book is "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe"...

Hobbies

Running half marathons for both of us started as something we just wanted to say we did. However, once we started, we really didn't stop. Every year we say,

Running half marathons for both of us started as something we just wan...

Taking the dogs for walks is one of our favorite things to do together, and pretty sure it's Stella and Token's favorite hobby as well. Our subdivision is a perfect mile loop and the perfect way to end the day.

Taking the dogs for walks is one of our favorite things to do together...

Dave has been golfing his entire life. He grew up playing with his brothers and dad, then played on his high school team. It was on this golf course that he proposed and in recent years, I've learned to play.

Dave has been golfing his entire life. He grew up playing with his bro...

Like Dave became a Cubs fan when we married, I became a Hawkeyes fan. We drove an embarrassing length of time to watch them play football for the Big 10 Championship a couple of years ago. They lost, but it was completely worth it.

Like Dave became a Cubs fan when we married, I became a Hawkeyes fan....

Woodworking projects and restoration is a deep love of mine. I began playing around with it when we built the house because we didn't have the budget for decorations, and it grew from there. Dave and I both working with our hands.

Woodworking projects and restoration is a deep love of mine. I began p...

A Bronco has been Dave's dream car since he was around 10. It's also his favorite hobby. When I can't find him, chances are he is in the shop.

A Bronco has been Dave's dream car since he was around 10. It's also h...

Our Wedding - 2011

These 5 guys have been Dave's best friends from around 5 years old to the present.

These 5 guys have been Dave's best friends from around 5 years old to...

We took pre-ceremony pictures at our neighbor's property. I always thought this one looked very

We took pre-ceremony pictures at our neighbor's property. I always tho...

Our wedding day was super windy and misty. The bridge we did our first meet was swaying back and forth the entire time.

Our wedding day was super windy and misty. The bridge we did our first...

I've been a daddy's girl throughout my entire life. Being able to share those precious few moments before walking down the aisle were so special.

I've been a daddy's girl throughout my entire life. Being able to shar...

We had to try and take pictures in the attic of one of the barns because it began to rain. They say rain is good luck on a wedding day!

We had to try and take pictures in the attic of one of the barns becau...

It was so cold taking these pictures, but who can resist a brick wall? It was totally worth it.

It was so cold taking these pictures, but who can resist a brick wall?...

We will be married 10 years this year. Little did I know in this moment how many ups and downs would we would walk through in the next 10 years.

We will be married 10 years this year. Little did I know in this momen...

The Many Adventures of Token and Stella

Taking the dogs for a walk is a nightly routine for us. It gives us an opportunity to catch up on our day without distractions.

Taking the dogs for a walk is a nightly routine for us. It gives us an...

When we travel back to Indiana to visit Mandy's family, the dogs have the run of the backseat.

When we travel back to Indiana to visit Mandy's family, the dogs have...

Even the dogs are Hawkeyes fans, although they do not appreciate the shirts nearly as much as we do.

Even the dogs are Hawkeyes fans, although they do not appreciate the s...

They truly are the best guard dogs. They have saved us from many little girls on bikes, blowing corn husks, and delivery men.

They truly are the best guard dogs. They have saved us from many littl...

We adopted Stella about 3 years ago from our neighbor who could no longer care for her. She has been such a great addition to the family!

We adopted Stella about 3 years ago from our neighbor who could no lon...

Summer Loving

We had fun spending a couple of days in Michigan with Mandy's family. They live a few states away, so we love getting together with them!

We had fun spending a couple of days in Michigan with Mandy's family....

Mandy's sister, Alicia, and many loving sunsets by the lake.

Mandy's sister, Alicia, and many loving sunsets by the lake.

Mandy's mom, Vicki, and Mandy fresh off the boat after a day on the lake.

Mandy's mom, Vicki, and Mandy fresh off the boat after a day on the la...

Summer in Michigan is not a guaranteed hot day. It was a bit cold.

Summer in Michigan is not a guaranteed hot day. It was a bit cold.

Beautiful lake and beautiful company! Mandy and Alicia weathering the wind.

Beautiful lake and beautiful company! Mandy and Alicia weathering the...

Mandy's mom, Vicki, and dad, Art

Mandy's mom, Vicki, and dad, Art

This picture took several attempts.

This picture took several attempts.

Dave enjoying a walk on the beach.

Dave enjoying a walk on the beach.

Mandy's mom, sister, and Mandy sitting on the beach soaking in the Michigan sun.

Mandy's mom, sister, and Mandy sitting on the beach soaking in the Mic...