Camera Ready

Ok, we've been pretty absent from posting for the last couple of weeks largely because we've been so busy. Instead of posting one large blog entry, I'll split the update into pieces so that uploading photos is easier. That being said, I have to admit that one major regret from the last few weeks is that we didn't take adequate pictures of our adventures, so I apologize for the minimal and poor quality photos this time around.

On August 14 - 20, we traveled to Syracuse to visit the east coast family and celebrate the life of Ryan's grandpa, Jack Gates. Despite the sad reason for traveling to Ryan's hometown, we had a great time catching up and enjoying the company of our family. We drank, ate, laughed, shared memories, and turned the Patrick backyard into a multi-sport field with golf, football, tennis/badminton, and Frisbee all sharing (remarkably without injury) a small space.

The tribute to Ryan's grandpa was touching and clearly showed how many people loved and respected Jack. I didn't know Ryan's grandpa very well, but I remember how much he loved music, and musicians from both Syracuse and South Carolina (where Jack resided in retirement) gathered to play jazz and Dixie music in Jack's memory. Ryan's uncle and cousins put together a personalized song dedicated to Jack that all the grandkids sung at the memorial service to the tune of "When the Saints Go Marching In". Unfortunately (or fortunately for the camera shy), the only picture I have from the entire weekend is a picture of the grandkids singing the song at the service:

It's a little tough to make out each person, but from left is Paul Gates, Sarah Yorra, Nicole Gates, Chris Patrick, Sean Patrick, Hannah Yorra, and Emma Yorra and Ryan are the two separated from the group on the right.

One result of the weekend was a realization that we don't see the people we love often enough. We really hope to do a family gathering once a year or once every other year so that we don't lose touch. Thank you to Ryan's parents for taking such good care of us and to the rest of the family for the great company. We love you all!