Meet Don and Kaki Kriebel. They have been married for 57 years and have lived in the same house in Philadelphia for the past 53 years. They are Friends Life Care members. The story of their life together -- interwoven with this wonderful home -- is both interesting and heart-warming.

Don and Kaki were married in 1959. They moved into a home that Don was renovating on Waverly Street.

As the renovations were going on around them, their first son was born and second was on the way. They decided to look for a larger home in move-in condition to accommodate their growing family.

The home they fell in love with was anything but move-in condition! They initially walked through it and thought that it was in deplorable shape. Later that day, Kaki turned to Don and said that the home's library would be perfect for their Christmas tree.

The rest of the story is important to what has shaped their family history! Some 53 years later, the Christmas tree still takes its place of honor in the library each December. So many memories and so many celebrations have been enjoyed here with their growing family.

Their two children were joined by a third brother. The young family with three active sons loved the house and made it their home.

It was perfect for their family. You can imagine the laughter of these boys as they raced through the house and yard with their dog. The kids grew and the years passed and when they became adults, they moved out to set up their own homes and establish their own lives.

Although the young family loved the house, Don and Kaki couldn't believe that they had taken on another home renovation.

The kitchen was impossible; and the downstairs was dark and rundown.

Luckily Don is an architect and was able to design a beautiful kitchen and sitting area in the lower level of their home.

Don worked at a large architectural firm for most of his career and then practiced from the library of their home as a solo practitioner in his later working years.

Don's design allowed for lots of light and the downstairs became the brightest area in the house.

Even though he designed it and had the renovations done in the late 1960's, Don's timeless design still looks contemporary today.

The house is truly a home; but, all of the unique features and exquisite touches make it more than that -- it is real architectural showcase. The columns in the archway of the library have interesting carvings.

The home has a personality all of its own. It came complete with bells to summon servants in almost every room -- although Don mischievously says that no servants ever showed up when they rang them.

Just to make things interesting, Kaki and Don added an organ to the dining room.

The fireplace in the library is adorned with captivating gargoyles.

These gargoyles were the inspiration for the title of the book that Kaki wrote documenting the history of their quirky house and the adventures they experienced completing the renovations.

They love their outdoors garden area and have spent many happy hours relaxing and entertaining on their patio.

Don brings the outdoors inside with his art. In addition to his architectural skills, Don is also a talented artist.

Kaki spent most of her working life as a librarian. She also worked as the Director of Publications and Public Relations for Friends Select School, as a graphic designer and eventually a writer.

Don and Kaki have always taken advantage of living in the city and are long time subscribers to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

They also seek adventure outside of Philadelphia. Kaki and Don love traveling. They have enjoyed exploring the United States. And they have been to Turkey, Egypt and Europe. Here, Don is in Crete at a Minoan site.

While in Turkey, Kaki posed next to the Lion Gate at the archaeological site of Hattusha, former capital of the Hittite Empire.

They have enjoyed many European vacations with their son, John and his wife. Although they love visiting new places and seeing new sights, at the end of the trip -- they know that home awaits them. And there is no place like home.

Thanks to Friends Life Care members Don and Kaki for sharing their special story with us.