We share a deep passion for travel, outdoor adventures, art and music. Our adventurous spirits drew us together, and we're eager to pass on this love for exploration to a child. We firmly believe that experiential learning is essential, and our vision includes family camping trips and discovering new cities and cultures together. These experiences, we feel, foster a more open-minded worldview and nurture a profound sense of curiosity and discovery.

Ellie possesses an insatiable wanderlust, requiring regular camping trips and city explorations to satiate her gypsy spirit. Lance’s adventurous side leads him to the mountains, where he relishes off-roading and fly fishing. We both have deep-rooted connections to the great outdoors from our childhoods, spent camping and hiking with our families. We are enthusiastic about sharing these cherished experiences with our own child.

Above all, we aim to instill a sense of curiosity in our child, emphasizing that adventure can unfold anywhere, from the mountains to our very own backyard. For us, adventure lies in the discovery of new and exciting things in every activity, whether it's hiking to a secluded waterfall or watching hummingbirds drink from the feeder on our front porch.

We cherish our time together, whether it's going on vacations, taking leisurely walks, or enjoying games. We're eagerly anticipating sharing our love for music and games with our future child. We both have a passion for music and have recently started building a diverse record collection, ranging from Lance's classic rock and current Alt-Rock favorites to Ellie's affection for Taylor Swift and the classic folk music she grew up listening to.

Evenings at our home are filled with card games like Five Crowns and board games such as Ticket to Ride, often accompanied by the joy of choosing a record to play. This has also become a delightful activity when we have guests over for dinner or game nights.

We strike a healthy balance between staying active through camping, hiking, and exercising, and unwinding with leisure activities like reading, crafting, watching TV shows and sports, or engaging in heartfelt conversations. This equilibrium contributes to our physical and mental well-being, a lifestyle we're excited to share with a child.

Our vibrant social circle frequently gathers for adventures, including an annual camping trip in the breathtaking Colorado mountains. Days are filled with hikes and games, while evenings are spent around the campfire enjoying s'mores and great conversations. During winter, this same group rents a house for some frosty fun, including sledding, snowball fights, and more games. We can't wait to introduce our child to the love and camaraderie that this close-knit group shares.

If we are fortunate enough to be selected to adopt a child from a different racial background, we are fully committed to the work required to nurture a strong and meaningful connection for our child. Recognizing that this journey demands continuous learning, we pledge to proactively educate ourselves as parents. We will seek out books, courses, and training programs that delve into our child's cultural heritage and guide us in fostering their sense of pride, provides support, celebrates diversity, and builds connections within our lives.

As white parents, we acknowledge that there will be experiences and perspectives we can never fully comprehend. We will never diminish the significance of race in our child's life, embracing both the beauty and challenges it brings. We humbly acknowledge that there will be times when we make mistakes, but we are committed to self-reflection, understanding, and continuous learning. When we do falter, our intention is to use those moments as opportunities for growth, correction, and teaching.

To broaden our horizons, we will actively expand our social circles to include more diverse perspectives and engage with community groups that reflect our child's culture. We understand that growth may sometimes be uncomfortable, but we will embrace it wholeheartedly. We will not hesitate to seek guidance and support at any stage of our child's life, fostering an environment where open and honest discussions are not only encouraged but cherished within our family.

We reside in a Denver suburb nestled close to the mountains and state parks. This picturesque neighborhood boasts numerous walking trails leading to inviting playgrounds, including one equipped with a delightful splash pad. Our community thrives on togetherness, offering a rich tapestry of free concerts, plays, and vibrant firework displays for all to enjoy.

What truly makes this place special is its inclusive spirit. Neighbors readily extend helping hands, particularly to our elderly community members. During winter, the kindness of those equipped with snowblowers ensures clear sidewalks for everyone before dawn breaks. Our neighborhood is a bustling hub of families, with kids spanning from newborns to high schoolers. They're all friendly and love greeting our two beloved dogs during our leisurely walks.

Our cozy three-bedroom, two-bath split-level home is a haven. The downstairs "den" keeps us cool in summer while providing the perfect spot to unwind with TV and sports.

Lance's upbringing was rooted in Colorado, where his extended family still resides. This close-knit group consists of his father, sister, and brother-in-law. His mother sadly passed away in 2010, his father has remained unmarried. Lance's family gatherings are a cherished tradition, whether it's coming together for dinner, bonding over hockey games, rejoicing in holidays and birthdays, or going to a baseball game. One family tradition they uphold is the annual making of crullers, a Polish doughnut variant, a practice passed down through generations from Lance's grandmother. Their enthusiasm for our adoption plan is palpable, as they anticipate the day when we'll bring our child home to introduce them to this loving family circle.

Ellie's childhood was set against the majestic backdrop of Alaska. Her parents currently reside in Illinois, accompanied by her sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews. Ellie also has two brothers, a sister-in-law, and a nephew living in Colorado. The heartbeat of Ellie's family lies in shared experiences. Their joyous get-togethers often involve hiking, spirited board games, cooking, and exploring places together. One tradition is renting a vacation home in the mountains. Ellie's family's has shown unwavering support for our adoption plan. Ellie's mother once had a vivid dream of Ellie embracing adoption, a vision she's carried in her heart, believing that our path would eventually lead us here. Our families shared joy adds a layer of warmth and excitement to our journey.

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary decision you are making, one that touches our hearts profoundly. We have been together for 6 years and married for one and a half. We have always dreamed of expanding our family and share the love and joy for life that we have created. Your selflessness and courage have left a lasting impression on us, and we admire your commitment to ensuring the best future for your baby. As we embark on this incredible journey together, we want you to know that we approach it with the utmost respect and reverence for you as the birth mother. We understand the significance of the bond you share with your child and the immeasurable love you have for them.

Our promise to you is to provide a loving and nurturing home, where your child will be surrounded by warmth, care, and endless opportunities to thrive. We are committed to fostering an environment that honors your child's unique identity, celebrates their heritage, and encourages them to pursue their dreams and passions. We believe in open and honest communication, and we welcome your involvement in your child's life to whatever extent you are comfortable with. We want your child to grow up knowing about their incredible birth family and the love that led to their adoption. We are committed to providing regular updates through letters and photos, ensuring you stay connected with your child's journey. We are completely open to extending our communication based entirely on your comfort level. Whether it's through emails, phone calls, FaceTime/Zoom, or the possibility of future visits, we are here to support a level of involvement that suits you best.

Our hearts are filled with excitement and anticipation as we look forward to the day when we can welcome your child into our family. We cannot wait to sit around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. We are excited to share the joy of trying to catch a snowflake on our tongue during a snowstorm. We are excited to take pictures of your child on their first day of school. We can’t wait to celebrate all the large and small moments. There are so many things we want to show and do with your child.

We promise to cherish and protect them with all our love and devotion, every step of the way. We also want to assure you that we will never forget the selfless act of love you are making. We will always honor your place in our family's story and remain forever grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this significant time. We are here for you, and we hope to build a strong and supportive relationship as we move forward together. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of becoming parents to your precious child. We look forward to the incredible journey ahead, one filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

With heartfelt gratitude and warmest regards,

Lance & Ellie