Forty-one years ago, Joseph and Randi Brazen thought they had their future mapped out. They were newly married after just ten weeks of dating, imagining a simple life together. They certainly never envisioned a family that would one day gather around a dinner table with three daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight energetic grandchildren; three thriving family businesses; and Sunday dinners that regularly feel more like a celebration than a meal. "When we got engaged," Joseph laughs, "Randi told me two things: she didn't really like pets, and she didn't want children. I remember thinking, 'That'll work.'"

Life, of course, had other plans. A few years later, Joseph spotted a beautiful Golden Retriever named Winchester during one of their neighborhood walks and joked that someday he'd love a dog just like it. A week later, Randi surprised him—with a rabbit. "She figured it was close enough," Joseph says, laughing. A few years later Joseph got his Golden, and that first Golden sparked a tradition that would span decades. Over the years, the family has owned six Golden Retrievers and raised 48 puppies, each one becoming another chapter in the Brazen family story.

Next came their daughters. While Randi thought they might have one child, they were blessed with three amazing girls. All three graduated from the University of Washington and eventually moved away for work, heading to Los Angeles, Dallas, and beyond. “We figured that was just how life would be until COVID hit and they all came back to Bellevue with the young men who would become their husbands,” Joseph says proudly. Once married, the girls bought homes nearby, began working in the family businesses, and life was good.

Then came the chapter neither of them could have imagined. Over just four years, their family tree seemed to blossom overnight. Eight grandchildren arrived filling birthdays with more candles, holidays with more laughter, and Sunday dinners with tiny footsteps racing through the house. "Looking back," Joseph says, "we couldn't have imagined any of this. But we wouldn't change a single thing."

For Randi, the greatest joy hasn't simply been becoming "Mimi." It's been watching her daughters become mothers themselves. "They make it look effortless, even though I know it isn't," she says. "They parent as a team. They celebrate each other's successes, help one another through the hard days, and are raising children who genuinely love being together. I couldn't be prouder of the women—and mothers—they've become.” Joseph agrees, adding, “They’re not only incredible moms but are also exceptional leaders in our businesses.”

Cody and her husband, Blake, both grew up in Bellevue, and their families have been close friends for years. “We didn't start dating until I moved to California,” Cody explains. “Blake was attending UCLA, and I moved there to work for a sports performance and recovery company, Hyperice. We were married in Cabo in May 2021.” Cody is General Manager at her family’s restaurant, Central Bar + Restaurant. Blake is an industrial real estate broker for Newmark. The couple has three boys: Baker (4), Brock (3), and Bo (1).

“Baker is sweet, thoughtful, and such a gentle soul,” says Cody. “He genuinely cares about the people around him, has the biggest heart, and is sports obsessed. He loves football, basketball, baseball, golf, you name it! He's responsible, independent, and definitely fits the role of the oldest child.” Brock is charismatic, fearless, and always trying to make people laugh. “He has a huge heart, loves being Baker's sidekick, and is always ready for whatever adventure his big brother is dreaming up next,” Cody shares. Fun fact: Brock, Bo, and Joey all share the same birthday, August 17th! “Bo is the happiest little guy. He's incredibly easygoing and, being the third child, just goes with the flow. He's always smiling and trying to keep up with his older brothers,” she adds fondly.

As with their cousins, the boys absolutely love spending time with Papa and Mimi. As Cody says, “My parents have a way of making even the simplest moments feel special. They're always planning fun activities whether it's a backyard BBQ, setting up a giant slip-and-slide, or simply spending quality time together. More than anything, they've made family a priority, and our boys are growing up surrounded by so much love. We truly couldn't ask for better grandparents.”

The thing she cherishes most about her family is how close they are. “My sisters are truly my best friends, and we genuinely love spending time together,” she says. “That's something I hope my boys have as they grow up—a lifelong friendship and a strong sense of brotherhood. I also love how close all the cousins are. They're truly best friends, and I hope that never changes.”

Joey and her husband, Phillip, met while she was living in Dallas, Texas, participating in Teach for America. When she moved back home the two parted ways, but nearly six years later he moved to Washington, they rekindled their love, and they married on September 3rd, 2023. Joey is General Manager at 520 Bar & Grill but recently earned her real estate license and joined her family’s real estate team. “I am not leaving 520, though, as I truly love what I do there,” she assures. “I'm looking forward to building a career that allows me to do both.” Her husband owns Q4 Media, a boutique media agency he has worked hard to build. The couple has two children: Quincy (3) and Kobe (1).

“Becoming parents has been the most rewarding and life-changing experience we could have imagined. They are at the center of everything we do,” says Joey. “Quincy is full of life, curiosity, and personality. She loves making new friends everywhere we go. During her first year of life, she spent many days with me at 520 Bar & Grill, surrounded by people who loved watching her grow. I believe those experiences helped shape her outgoing and caring personality.” Kobe is the calm and gentle soul in the family. “He has the sweetest smile, the biggest heart, and a peaceful presence that balances all of us,” she shares. Joey is named after her dad, who was named after his father. To carry on that tradition, the couple gave Kobe the middle name, Joseph, which means so much to them.

Like her sisters, Joey counts her parents as one of the greatest blessings in her life. “Their love, support, and generosity have shaped not only who I am but also the kind of parent I strive to be,” she says. “They are always there when we need them, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or spend time with the kids. Witnessing the relationships they have with Quincy and Kobe is incredibly special.” Quincy constantly asks if she can go to "Papa's house," and seeing the excitement on her face reminds Joey how lucky her children are to have such loving grandparents. As she says, “I hope I can give my own children the same sense of security, love, and family that my parents gave me.”

One of her favorite childhood traditions was sharing family dinners together. “Growing up, we always gathered around the kitchen counter or dining room table to talk about our day, laugh together, and enjoy each other's company,” she says. “Those conversations created a strong sense of connection and made our home feel like a safe place where everyone was heard. Creating that same tradition for my own family is something I value deeply. I hope our children will one day look back on those dinners with the same fondness I do.”

Taylor met her husband, Seth, in 2010 at the University of Washington. They got engaged in 2017 and married in 2018 at Overlake Golf & Country Club. She works with her parents in real estate, while Seth works in construction management for Marq Logistics. The couple has three children: Tatem (6), Bennett (4), and Miller (3).

 “Tatem is the leader of the pack—not only in our family, but among the cousins, too. She just finished kindergarten and has grown so much this year,” says Taylor. “She made swim team at Tam O’Shanter, learned to ride her bike without training wheels, can read and write independently, and even lost her first two teeth. She is confident, independent, and incredibly caring.” Bennett is a classic middle child—fearless and marching to the beat of his own drum. “He is determined, spirited, and adventurous, but underneath has the sweetest, softest heart,” says Taylor. Miller may be the baby, but he works hard to keep up with his older siblings and refuses to be left behind. “He is resilient, determined, full of personality, and loves to make everyone laugh,” says Taylor. This fall, he’ll join Tatem and Bennett at Bennett Elementary in the Pre-K program, a milestone the family is excited to celebrate.

“Growing up, both of my parents worked, but they never missed a school event, sporting event, or important milestone. They taught us that family always comes first, and that lesson continues to shape how we raise our own children today,” she shares. “As grandparents, they are incredibly hands-on and involved in our kids’ lives. Some of my favorite moments are our family dinners at Mimi and Papa’s house, where all eight grandkids are together, running around and creating memories. Their love, support, and presence mean everything to our family.”

One childhood tradition Taylor especially loved was having her dad coach all their basketball teams. This year, she got to share that tradition with her own daughter when she and Joseph co-coached Tatem’s kindergarten basketball team. As she says, “It was incredibly special and brought back so many wonderful memories.” Another tradition she has continued is setting New Year’s resolutions as a family. “Each of us, including all three kids, writes down our goals for the year ahead. It’s a simple tradition that encourages reflection, growth, and accountability,” she concludes.

As every parent hopes, Joseph and Randi’s sons-in-law are exceptional people as well. All are hands-on dads and close friends, which only adds to the strength of the whole family. “The holidays are especially meaningful because our sons-in-law’s families have become part of ours too. The bigger our family gets, the more grateful we become,” Joseph shares.

Today, the Brazen family gathers almost every week. The dads take over the grill. The moms catch up in the kitchen. Eight cousins race through the backyard while Papa somehow manages to keep up with all of them. For Joseph, it's the best role he's ever had. "Being Papa is better than anything I've ever done," he says simply. Randi smiles when she talks about the moment she treasures most. "There's nothing like hearing little feet running toward you," she says. "They throw their arms around you with the biggest hugs and, for a moment, nothing else matters."

Forty-one years ago, Joseph and Randi couldn't have predicted any of it—not the daughters, the grandchildren, the restaurants, the real estate business, or the life they've built together. What began as a whirlwind romance became something much bigger than either of them imagined: a family that chooses to be together, week after week, generation after generation. And if that's the legacy they leave behind, Joseph says, “It will be more than enough.”