By Christina Surrano Photographs by Mike Baxter, Baxter Imaging When Shelley and Steve Adelson bought their 3,300-square-foot ranch home back in 1991, it was really all about the neighborhood. They planned to remodel the home, but sometimes life gets in the way and time passes quickly, particularly when you are raising four boys, three of whom are triplets. The Adleson’s story is classically charming, just like their home. Steve is from North Dakota and Shelley was raised in Orange County, California. They met while attending the University of Arizona but did not date until four years later, after seeing each other again at a friend’s wedding. When choosing a place to settle down and raise a family, Shelley recalls how enchanted she was by the neighborhood feel of Arcadia, with the ranch-style homes that were reminiscent of the smaller neighborhoods she remembers from her youth in Orange County. “[Arcadia] had a really good community feel, like your neighbors could borrow milk,” says Shelley. With affection, she shared how the close friendship developed between their family and the neighbors behind them. “[She and I] would pass stuff back and forth through the wall,” Shelley said with a chuckle. Both ladies had husbands who traveled and houses full of boys. Spending time in each other’s homes, such as having dinner together and sharing evening routines, was a way for the ladies to create their own community amidst the chaos. “When [my neighbor] was here, at one point, we had seven boys under the age of five. It was hard having all of those little kids and it was fun to have them all together,” Shelley added with a smile. Continued on page 12 New Classic American

Shelley affectionately refers to her lovely and practical open kitchen, dining and family room as "Grand Central."