Rooted in RiverTown: The Kirk Family’s Journey from Military Moves to Magical Memories
There’s something about a family that radiates joy, strength, and a sense of togetherness that reminds you what being part of a community is all about. For Jesse , Jenna &, their two bright-eyed children, Jianna and Jaxon, that spirit runs deep through their home—and shines throughout RiverTown.
Please introduce your family and tell us a little about each member?
My husband Jesse and I have two children—Jianna, who is 6, and Jaxon, who is 4. Jianna currently attends Freedom Crossing Academy but will be transferring to the new RiverTown school in August. Jaxon is in the 3's program at Living Waters Preschool and will start VPK there this fall. We also have two sweet dogs: Lola, a 14-year-old miniature teddy bear (Shih Tzu and Maltese mix), who was actually the “dog of honor” in our wedding, and Bentlee, a 10-year-old American Bulldog/Pitbull mix. They're the most patient and loving companions to our kiddos.
My husband Jesse and I have two children—Jianna, who is 6, and Jaxon, who is 4. Jianna currently attends Freedom Crossing Academy but will be transferring to the new RiverTown school in August. Jaxon is in the 3's program at Living Waters Preschool and will start VPK there this fall. We also have two sweet dogs: Lola, a 14-year-old miniature teddy bear (Shih Tzu and Maltese mix), who was actually the “dog of honor” in our wedding, and Bentlee, a 10-year-old American Bulldog/Pitbull mix. They're the most patient and loving companions to our kiddos.
When did you move to RiverTown, and how has your experience been so far?
We moved to RiverTown on Christmas Eve of 2020—it truly felt like the best Christmas gift ever! We’ve loved every minute here and feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing community.
Where are you originally from, and what brought you to Florida?
Jesse and I were both born and raised in Minnesota. In 2012, we moved to Jacksonville after Jesse received military orders. We really enjoyed it here, and thankfully, we’ve continued to receive orders to stay.
Jesse and I were both born and raised in Minnesota. In 2012, we moved to Jacksonville after Jesse received military orders. We really enjoyed it here, and thankfully, we’ve continued to receive orders to stay.
What do you and your husband do for work?
Jesse is an Aviation Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy. He’s been active duty for 16 years and plans to retire after 20. I’m an Event Planner and Coordinator. I started almost 16 years ago in Minnesota with a catering company and later worked at Sawgrass Country Club. After having children, I stepped back from full-time work and now freelance—mainly coordinating weddings—with hopes to start my own business one day.
Jesse is an Aviation Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy. He’s been active duty for 16 years and plans to retire after 20. I’m an Event Planner and Coordinator. I started almost 16 years ago in Minnesota with a catering company and later worked at Sawgrass Country Club. After having children, I stepped back from full-time work and now freelance—mainly coordinating weddings—with hopes to start my own business one day.
How did you and Jesse meet?
We met through mutual friends in Minnesota and have been married for 11 years this August.
We met through mutual friends in Minnesota and have been married for 11 years this August.
Jianna had quite a medical journey early in life. Can you share a bit about that?
Yes, Jianna was born with bilateral developmental hip dysplasia. After multiple harnesses and braces, we learned her right hip corrected itself, but her left did not. When Jesse returned from deployment and met her for the first time at 5 months old, her surgeon told us she would need surgery at 9 months. After two operations—one closed and one more invasive open reduction involving pins and a pelvic bone break—plus two rounds in a spica cast and physical therapy, she hasn’t needed further surgery. She’s so strong and resilient. Today, she’s flexible, full of energy, and enjoys tumbling and is starting martial arts!
Yes, Jianna was born with bilateral developmental hip dysplasia. After multiple harnesses and braces, we learned her right hip corrected itself, but her left did not. When Jesse returned from deployment and met her for the first time at 5 months old, her surgeon told us she would need surgery at 9 months. After two operations—one closed and one more invasive open reduction involving pins and a pelvic bone break—plus two rounds in a spica cast and physical therapy, she hasn’t needed further surgery. She’s so strong and resilient. Today, she’s flexible, full of energy, and enjoys tumbling and is starting martial arts!
What are Jianna and Jaxon into these days?
Jianna loves arts and crafts, tumbling, and is gaining interest in martial arts. She’s also an awesome big sister—so helpful and kind. Jaxon is all about engines: fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, helicopters—you name it! He’s been trying out soccer, football, golf, and martial arts too. He has the biggest heart and always tells us how much he loves us—he really makes us stop and appreciate the moment.
Jianna loves arts and crafts, tumbling, and is gaining interest in martial arts. She’s also an awesome big sister—so helpful and kind. Jaxon is all about engines: fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, helicopters—you name it! He’s been trying out soccer, football, golf, and martial arts too. He has the biggest heart and always tells us how much he loves us—he really makes us stop and appreciate the moment.
What do you all love to do as a family?
We love being outdoors—riding bikes, rollerskating, swimming at the amenity pools, and exploring parks in and around our neighborhood. We also enjoy trying new things and visiting new places. We’re always open to recommendations!
We love being outdoors—riding bikes, rollerskating, swimming at the amenity pools, and exploring parks in and around our neighborhood. We also enjoy trying new things and visiting new places. We’re always open to recommendations!
How do you celebrate holidays together?
Christmas is definitely our favorite! We go all out with decorations—we have four trees in our home, including a “fun” tree with homemade ornaments and one for each child in their rooms. My parents fly in from Minnesota every year, which makes it even more special. On Christmas Eve, we have a homemade traditional Polish dinner (all from scratch by my dad), and on Christmas Day, we enjoy a homemade Italian dinner that I prepare with him. We always visit the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, have dinner at Harry’s, and take a carriage ride. The kids love driving around the neighborhood in our golf cart with hot cocoa and blankets, looking at Christmas lights and displays. It’s become a beloved tradition.
Christmas is definitely our favorite! We go all out with decorations—we have four trees in our home, including a “fun” tree with homemade ornaments and one for each child in their rooms. My parents fly in from Minnesota every year, which makes it even more special. On Christmas Eve, we have a homemade traditional Polish dinner (all from scratch by my dad), and on Christmas Day, we enjoy a homemade Italian dinner that I prepare with him. We always visit the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, have dinner at Harry’s, and take a carriage ride. The kids love driving around the neighborhood in our golf cart with hot cocoa and blankets, looking at Christmas lights and displays. It’s become a beloved tradition.
What do you love most about our neighborhood?
We love the community feel—everyone is friendly, and there’s always something fun happening. The Fall and Spring markets are our favorite events. We also try to support local businesses and love that so many talented and creative neighbors are right within walking distance!
Any recent family adventures?
Yes! For our 10-year anniversary, Jesse and I finally took a couples trip—just the two of us—to Banff, Canada. It was absolutely stunning and an experience we’ll never forget.
Yes! For our 10-year anniversary, Jesse and I finally took a couples trip—just the two of us—to Banff, Canada. It was absolutely stunning and an experience we’ll never forget.