It all started with sloppy joes, tater tots, and a Star Wars movie.

Back in law school at the University of Richmond, Justin Griffin cooked dinner for Alexandra on their very first date — a simple meal shared in his apartment on February 6. More than a decade later, the Griffins still celebrate that date every year as their beloved “Sloppiversary,” a tradition their two young sons now enthusiastically join as well.

For Justin and Alexandra, traditions matter. So do strong neighborhoods, meaningful connections, and raising children in a community that truly feels like home. That mindset ultimately led them to Salisbury and the Falkirk subdivision, where they moved in January 2026 just ahead of Richmond’s winter ice storm.

“We immediately felt welcomed here,” Alexandra shared. “There’s a real sense of community.”

The Griffins have quickly embraced neighborhood life, especially Falkirk’s monthly “Friday Fiestas,” where neighbors gather to socialize and connect. With Wishing Well Park nearby and plenty of space for their active boys to play, the family says Salisbury checked every box for the “forever home” they had envisioned.

Justin, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and Alexandra, a Pittsburgh native, both graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2014. Today, Justin owns Virginia Small Business Law and also teaches in the School of Business at Virginia State University, where he mentors future entrepreneurs and business leaders. Alexandra previously worked for both the Richmond Public Defender’s Office and the Richmond City Attorney’s Office before transitioning into part-time child welfare law work with Hefty, Wiley & Gore.

At home, however, titles and careers take a backseat to family life with Walker, five, and Waylon, three.

Their days are filled with bike rides around the cul-de-sac, scooter races, sandbox construction projects, and elaborate train tracks and marble runs that frequently stretch across the house. The boys especially love building new train configurations together and may already have future engineer tendencies in the making. Walker recently celebrated a major milestone by learning to ride his bike without training wheels.

The Griffins also prioritize teaching their boys values they hope will guide them throughout life. Conversations about being “leaders, helpers, and protectors” are woven into everyday moments at home.

When she’s not keeping up with two energetic boys, Alexandra enjoys creating flower arrangements for their home and for friends and family. Her love of flowers adds thoughtful touches throughout their home and reflects the creativity she enjoys bringing into everyday life.

And while life with two young boys keeps things busy, the family still makes time for simple joys — whether it’s Friday pizza night, solving puzzles together, or planning short adventures around Virginia.

For the Griffins, home is more than a place. It’s the traditions you build, the neighbors who become friends, and the memories made around even the simplest dinner table.