Eighteen years ago, Tyler and Andrew met through mutual friends — and a love story quickly blossomed. A few months later, they moved to California together, married on a beach six years after that, and not long after, started dreaming about fatherhood. Coming from big, close-knit families, they always knew kids would be part of their future. And when a cousin graciously offered to be their gestational carrier, their journey to fatherhood truly began.
Surrogacy, however, was no easy path. Initially, the cost seemed out of reach, but with the support of family — and a lot of research and determination — they found a way forward. They selected a fertility clinic in Arizona that felt like the right fit, navigating the complex web of state surrogacy laws and ensuring everything was in place to welcome their twins with full parental rights. From starting research to holding their sons in their arms, it was a three-year journey marked by patience, hope, and love.
When their twins arrived, Tyler left his job to become a full-time stay-at-home dad, while Andrew dove into a demanding medical residency. It was a whirlwind of long hours, sleepless nights, and learning on the fly — and they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Fatherhood is a magical experience,” Tyler shares. “Even the rough days of no sleep with two crying babies in my arms were filled with love.”
Since becoming dads, life hasn’t slowed down. In fact, it’s only gotten more adventurous. Over the past seven years, the Fontes family has moved from Arizona to Utah to California, following Andrew’s medical career. Each new city was a fresh start — a new house to transform into a home, a new community to embrace. Along the way, they leaned on social media, especially Instagram and Gays With Kids, to find and connect with other two-dad families in their area.
Today, you’ll find them sharing their outdoor adventures on their Instagram account, @fontesfourpack, inspiring families everywhere to embrace the beauty of nature with their kids. Hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, biking, and road-tripping have become their family traditions — and they’re proof that you don’t have to wait until kids are “older” to start exploring.
One of their proudest moments? Taking their boys on their first backcountry camping trip — a four-mile uphill trek to a remote alpine lake, each boy carrying his own pack with water, snacks, and a sleeping bag. “There were a lot of breaks along the way,” Tyler said, “but it was so rewarding to set up camp by the lake with stunning views, completely disconnected from cell service.”
Their advice to other dads wanting to explore the outdoors with young kids: Start small. “Overpack for your first trips, be prepared for lots of breaks, and remember — it’s not about reaching a destination. It’s about the experience.” Tyler fondly remembers hikes where they barely made it down the trail, spending hours at a stream or patch of rocks because the boys were so fascinated. “The journey is about being in nature together.”
Top adventures so far? Their first overnight camping trip when the twins were just 10 months old, hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park — where Caellum took his first steps! — and camping in Grand Teton National Park, fishing and paddleboarding on nearly empty lakes before winter set in.
Through it all, the Fontes family reminds us that adventure is less about where you are and more about who you’re with. And every muddy trail, cold night, and stunning sunrise is a memory they’ll carry forever.
Follow their outdoor journeys — and twin-boy-two-dad fun — on Instagram @fontesfourpack.
