Ready, Set, Break!

After 5 years, I recently left my job at a national river conservation group, American Rivers, to take on a new role as Legislative Director at a state-based nonprofit, Washington Environmental Council. Although I'm happy and excited for a new challenge, I wanted to take some time to recharge before taking on a demanding new job. After leaving my old job, I took a couple of days to catch up on a few things and then we left on a jet plane for a family trip to Syracuse, New York. (Note to reader: it is very important to include New York when talking about Syracuse, New York. If you don't, you risk confusing someone who may think you mean Syracuse, Indiana.) 

The trip was wonderful. It has been too long since we traveled to Syracuse, New York, to visit Ryan's family. Here is a photo collection of the trip:

Sleeping in coach is easy. I don't know why people complain about leg room. 

We found a playground in the Minneapolis airport. Score! 

Arlo pretended he was a London bus driver and loved it!

Arlo, Ya-Ya and Grandpa's coffee table, cars, and trains were the major focus for everyone. 

Arlo and Uncle Sean discussing the design of cars and trucks and the potential for improving mileage rates with new technologies that are emerging on the market. 

The Patrick Crew. 

The stairs are getting tighter and tighter as we add more members to the family. 

Special congratulations to Kara and Jack (just behind me on the stairs) on their upcoming nuptials! 

Aunt Chris Ann, Uncle Chris, and the Nonericks. (Arlo, close your mouth!)

Get your motor running...

Head out on the highway!

Arlo's dream of watching a tractor work came true at Beak and Skiff apple farm.

A good farmer always tests his product for freshness. 

Family Photo at the Farm

We learned that Arlo is a pony whisperer. 

Maybe we need to move to the country and adopt a horse or two. Hmmm...

First Horse Ride (Thank you, Mr. Rogers!)

Although not a real horse, Arlo also rode an antique carousel horse like a boss. 

Getting excited for Halloween by trying on costumes. 

Getting a trim from his personal stylist, Aunt Carolyn. 

Hugging a tree while walking at Green Lakes State Park. 

Like mother, like son. 

Arlo and Grandpa checking out the ducks and swans at the pond. 

Three generations of Patrick men. 

Loving Syracuse, NY. 

Providing a good example of mature love and mutual respect.

VROOM!

Ya-Ya, Grandpa, and Arlo going for a drive with Arlo at the wheel. Buckle up!

Arlo loves to read. Such a sweet boy!

Hygiene is very important to Arlo. 

Lovin' the penguins at the zoo!

Our little penguin. 

Don't worry, that's not a real tiger. It just looks like one. 

Those, however, are real tigers. Arlo is also a tiger whisperer. 

Watching the elephants at the zoo.

Grandpa spotting Arlo while he climbs at one of the many parks we explored.

Thinking Face

We had a great time seeing everyone, and it was amazing to see Arlo connecting with his family in a new way. Now that he's a toddler, he is much more interactive, talkative, and interested in each individual person. We love Seattle, but the biggest drawback to living here is that we are so far away from so many family members. As we get older, we appreciate and value all of the family events and holidays that give us time with our loved ones.

I was grateful to have a break between the craziness of leaving one job and starting another. Thank you, Ya-Ya and Grandpa Patrick, for hosting us, and thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to hang out with us. We love you!