What if your childhood best friend became your neighbor? Not across town, not in the next city over, but just a few houses away, with kids the same age, driveway games, and Sunday dinners that feel like family reunions? That’s Fairfax Street here in Hilltop, home to two families who’ve blended friendship and family in the most extraordinary way. 

On one side are the Mussetters: Matt, Sarah, Maddie (13), and Mira (8). On the other, the Aschenbreners: Michael, Dannie, Max (13), and Valentina (11). Together, they are the Fairfax “Framily,” a mix of childhood bonds, family life, and neighborhood chaos done just right.

The story dates back decades in Minnesota. 

“Matt and I met in junior high school in seventh grade,” says Michael. “We became friends in high school.” They played different sports, served on Student Council together, and were part of the same group of friends who became really close. As the years went on, their friendship never faded, even through college and law school.

Matt and Sarah’s love story began during a frosty Chicago snowstorm in January 2005, with law school classes, chance meetings, and a little snow-covered serendipity. By the summer of 2005, they had both moved to Denver. 

Fast forward to 2016: Michael and Dannie were looking for a place to raise their kids and work remotely. A snowy weekend visit to Matt and Sarah in Hilltop changed everything. With Sarah helping them house-hunt, they found a home just a few blocks away. Max and Maddie were about to start kindergarten together at Carson Elementary, starting a new chapter together.

Since moving, the families have intertwined seamlessly: birthdays, ski trips, pool days, and holidays. Max, Maddie, and Valentina now attend St. Mary’s Academy together, while little Mira is in the middle of every gathering. 

“We take time carpooling and driving each other’s kids,” says Dannie. “It’s fun to hear what they talk about.” 

Their kids ride bikes up and down Fairfax. “It’s the best thing ever,” smiles Dannie. “They have also played at Robinson Park for years.” Not to mention playing ping pong, jumping on trampolines, and hosting lemonade stands and bake sales, often thoughtfully donating to causes like helping the homeless or ocean conservation.

Dannie explains that their move to Denver was influenced by the Mussetters, “We were free agents in 2016,” says Michael. “The obvious choice was Denver, where we have people who care, and people we care about.” Sarah and Matt even helped them acclimate to the area. 

“They taught us to go to Winter Park and go skiing, sign our kids up for ski lessons, and we even had our own place in Winter Park for a while. It’s like having your own personal concierge,” laughs Dannie.

Having a group of friends is invaluable. “For big life events, we run it by each other. We lean on each other for help.” 

Matt’s mom, Nancy, and Sarah’s parents, Bill and Julie, are also integrated into daily life. Dannie jokes that they are her honorary parents. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says.

From Father’s Day gatherings to New Year’s Eve ski trips, these families share life together. Fairfax Street is a place where lifelong friendships, parenting, and family intertwine in the best possible way.

As Dannie reflects, “Being neighbors with our best friends is a dream we didn’t even know we could live. We have truly become each other’s chosen family.” Life doesn’t get any sweeter than that!