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Join us in our updates throughout the year as we create cherished memories, navigate life's highs and lows, and eagerly await the arrival of our newest family member and adventure partner.
Join us in our updates throughout the year as we create cherished memories, navigate life's highs and lows, and eagerly await the arrival of our newest family member and adventure partner.
Transitions, Traditions, and New Friends: Summer Part 2
July - September 2025 Highlights
As we look back on the second half of summer, our hearts are full of gratitude for the experiences we shared, the people we welcomed into our home, and the memories that will carry us into the rest of this year and beyond.
In late July, we went to the Yacht Club Music Festival. It wasn’t Owen’s first concert, but it was his first festival experience, which felt like a big deal. The highlight was definitely seeing Green Day close out the last night. They put on an incredible show and played so many of the songs that we’ve loved for years.
That same week, Laura accepted a new role with Boston Scientific. To celebrate, we kept it simple—ice cream with Owen and Nakita. It was a sweet little moment that made the milestone feel even more special.
Another big first this summer: Owen started his first job umpiring youth baseball. Getting his first paycheck was exciting, and we’re so proud of how confidently he’s taken it on. He’s already talking about looking forward to doing it again next summer.
August was a season of transition. Laura wrapped up her old role at CHS, saying heartfelt goodbyes to the team she had loved leading, and took a short break to focus on family and rest before starting her new job in September.
Owen spent a week at Wolf Ridge sleepaway camp—his second year there, and it did not disappoint. He came home with a new group of close friends (already planning reunion camping trips over text), a raspy voice from so much fun, and that joyful exhaustion only camp can bring.
The following week, we set out on one of our favorite annual traditions: paddling into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This was Owen’s second year joining us, and it was a trip to remember. We paddled and portaged across multiple lakes and deep into the park. We set up camp under the stars, caught more fish than we could count, watched an otter play, and listened to owls and loons calling as we drifted off to sleep. Owen nearly landed a huge northern pike, and we even heard reports of a moose swimming near our campsite! Despite the final day bringing a storm and a wet paddle out of the park, we all came home refreshed, and grateful for the time we got together in nature.
The day after we got back from the Boundary Waters, our house became even more lively as we welcomed Anastasiia (aka Nastiia) through the YouLEAD program. Laura helps plan this program, which brings talented Ukrainian teens to the U.S. for five weeks of intensive leadership training. From the very beginning, Nastiia felt like part of the family. She has such a thoughtful, curious, and kind presence, and we loved every single moment we had with her—whether it was sharing meals, playing games, or just talking about life.
Over Labor Day weekend, we brought her along to our cabin for our second annual family weekend with friends. She jumped right in—tubing, boating, swimming at the sandbar, and laughing with everyone late into the night over board games. It was the kind of weekend that showed how easily she fit into our family’s rhythms.
Later in the program, we were lucky to also host Maria (Masha) for a shorter time. Even though our days together were fewer, she quickly brought her own energy, warmth, and lots of coffee into the mix! One of the highlights was being in the kitchen together—the girls taught us how to make Ukrainian dishes like varenyky and deruny (which disappeared fast at the table), and in return, we introduced them to some of our own family favorites. Owen even got them hooked on Mango juice!
Saying goodbye in mid-September was incredibly emotional, especially after the bonds we built. Both girls left an imprint on our hearts, and while it was hard to see them go, we’re grateful for WhatsApp and Instagram that let us keep cheering them on from afar.
As summer wound down, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary and the autumnal equinox at our cabin. The crisp nights by the fireplace, the quiet lake after the summer visitors left, and the chance to reflect on the months behind us were the perfect way to welcome a new season.
This summer was full of concerts and camps, milestones and transitions, laughter and tears, and above all, love. Each experience—big and small—reminded us of the kind of family we are: one that values traditions, embraces adventure, celebrates growth, and cherishes the people we share life with.
Alongside everything, we’ve also been moving forward in our adoption journey. We’ve started sharing our story more openly, and sending postcards to organizations and communities that might connect us with our future child. It feels good to take these small but meaningful steps, and each one reminds us of the deep hope we carry—that one day we’ll welcome another child into our family.
We’re looking forward to what fall brings, knowing that whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together—with gratitude, joy, and an open heart.
Sun, Fun, and Big Trees: Summer Part 1
May-July 2025 Highlights
Hello from the sunshine-soaked heart of our summer! We’re only partway through the season and already feeling extra grateful for the memories we’re making — the big ones, the little ones, and all the laughs in between.
Here are the highlights:
National Parks Adventures
We kicked off the season with an epic road trip through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. In true adventurer fashion, we cruised in a camper van, taking in sky-high trees and starry nights. Owen and his cousin Corbin were our junior rangers — climbing rocks, spotting wildlife, and collecting memories along the way.
For Laura, it was a chance to pick up her camera again — capturing moments of her favorite people in her favorite kind of place: the wild. There’s just something about fresh air, giant trees, and messy hair that makes for the most beautiful snapshots.
And for Brad, this trip was extra special — a dream he first planned as a solo adventure back in 2020, until the pandemic put it on pause. This summer, he finally got to live it out, and even better: he shared it with family. What was once imagined as a personal journey turned into something even richer — full of connection, laughter, and shared wonder under some of the tallest trees on earth.
Owen’s Summer of Baseball
If summer break had a soundtrack for Owen, it’d be the thwack of a baseball meeting glove — and lately, the hum of a lawn mower! Between perfecting his pitching on the field and playing catch in the yard, Owen has started mowing lawns — starting with ours — and tapping into his entrepreneurial spirit. His goal? Saving up for a pair of Beats headphones. The kid loves music — whether it’s blasting tunes in the car or curating his own playlists, he’s got a soundtrack for everything. We’re loving watching him hustle for something he’s passionate about and simultaneously watching his confidence grow - both on the mound and behind the mower.
Cabin Life: Boats, Bugs, and Bonding
No summer is complete for us lots of without cabin time. We’ve spent many warm days at our family cabin already this summer — soaking up time away from the hustle and bustle and closer to nature. We've had some great bonding time with Laura’s sister and her partner, and ringing in the 4th of July with Brad’s brother and crew. Think: boating, fishing, bonfires, and just enough friendly competition during board games to keep things interesting. It's not all fun and games though, we’ve tackled plenty of cabin projects too... nothing says “family bonding” like a good ol’ DIY repair!
Pool Days & Playdates
Back home, the Minnesota heat has had us living our best pool life. Our backyard has become a splashy little oasis where friends swing by, kiddos cannonball, and hotdogs disappear at lightning speed. It’s been pure joy watching the littlest feet run wild and hearing the giggles the waterslide brings.
Grown-Up Getaways
We’ve also each had a chance to recharge. Laura had great girls' weekend in Charleston, South Carolina — full of deep conversations, delicious bites (they earned every bite with average 20k steps a day!), and that kind of quality friend-time that fills your cup. Brad headed north for his annual fishing trip to Canada, a tradition he’s kept up since he was 13. He came back sun-kissed and smiling, with fish tales and inside jokes only a decades-old tradition can bring.
This summer has reminded us of the beauty in balance — adventure and stillness, connection and play, togetherness and a little space to breathe. We're soaking up every moment and holding space in our hearts for the future.
To the birthparents reading this: we hope this gives you a small window into our lives and the kind of family we are — active, loving, goofy, grounded, and full of space for love. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us.
Until next time,
Laura, Brad, and Owen
March Madness - Family Style
March 2025 Highlights
March was packed with memory-making moments for our crew, and we wanted to share a little peek into the fun. If you're considering an adoption plan, we hope this gives you a feel for the kind of life, love, and laughs your child would experience with our family.
We started the month by visiting Brad’s 98-year-old grandpa for his birthday—COVID had other plans for us that prevented us from celebrating on his birthday, but we made up for it with hugs and listening in to some of his treasured memories.
Next up, we celebrated our close friends’ son turning three. Family dinner, belly laughs, and toddlers with frosting on their face? Yes, please.
Then came spring break and our adventure to Wisconsin Dells with Brad’s brother’s family. It was a whirlwind of fun:
Wizard Quest: Basically, a magical scavenger hunt that Owen dominated.
Duck Boat, Mini Golf & Go-Karts: Owen’s first time behind the wheel—he took it VERY seriously.
Surprise sunshine: We all left with our first tans of the year (in March!?).
Bonfire nights & waterpark days: Owen braved the Medusa slide and came out grinning like a champ.
This month was everything we love—family, adventure, and being together. We can't wait to one day share these kinds of memories with another child, and if you're reading this, know that we're already cheering you on in whatever path you choose.
Winter Bites
February 2025 Highlights
On the first day of February we woke up in an ice fishing house we rented on Mille Lacs Lake. This is an annual tradition which began during COVID and we've continued ever since. We rent a big ice house (think RV on ice) with most of the comforts of home and spend two days and two nights fishing, playing cards or board games, and relaxing. Oh, and hopefully catching fish! This year Owen brought a friend along as well to join our adventure. Despite a big blizzard which came through on Saturday, we had a great time and also caught quite a few perch.
February also marked the end of Owen's basketball season which he's found to be a great team sport. While the team didn't have many wins this season, they had a lot of fun and improved as players. Owen even scored a few three pointers on the last day of the season!
For many of us in Minnesota, February is a tough month. The excitement of the holidays and the new year are gone, the daylight hours are short, and there is often a prolonged cold snap. So, we were grateful to have a few really important celebrations this month:
One of our great friends celebrated her 40th birthday
We helped Laura's dad celebrate his 70th birthday
Brad's grandpa celebrated his 98th birthday!
These celebrations, time with friends, vacation planning for a National Park trip in May (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia), and many trips to the sauna for Brad and Laura made February a great month for the Martens/Connolly household. Ok, maybe February isn't so bad after all.
New Year - New Family Photos!
January 2025 Highlights
January was a whirlwind of fun and activities for our family! We kicked off the month with our annual tradition of attending the British Arrow Awards screening at the Walker Art Center. It’s always a blast catching up with Brad’s college friends and enjoying the creative commercials.
Owen had a busy month with basketball games. While his team isn’t winning much, they’ve made huge strides in their skills and teamwork since the season started. Owen’s been working hard on perfecting his 3-pointer shots.
We braved the -10 degree weather to get new family photos taken. Despite the freezing temperatures, the photos turned out great! Nakita, however, was not a fan of the cold. Maybe we’ll opt for fall photos next time.
We also had a delayed Christmas celebration with Brad’s mom, brother Tony, and his family. Hosting everyone at our house for an overnight celebration was wonderful. We enjoyed good food and quality time together.
Owen had his winter band concert this month. He has one more year of required band participation and is still deciding whether to continue playing the French horn in high school. Daily practice isn’t his favorite, but the idea of a band trip to Europe is pretty tempting!
Brad and Laura finally started a home renovation project that’s been on the list since we moved here in 2022. We love our house, but adding our personal touches through these projects is making it feel more and more like our home.
It's only January, but we are all already looking forward to spring weather and trips to the cabin soon!
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