Aint no party like a Holy Ghost party!

For Brooke's 29th birthday, and last one in San Diego :( , we headed downtown to the House of Blues for the world famous Gospel Brunch. They served up some delicious Southern-style dishes, such as fried chicken, cheese grits, biscuts n gravy, jambalaya, and bread pudding- mmmm! After we stuffed ourselves, a purple-robed Gospel choir got us on our feet- and even gpt Brooke onstage for a special birthday dance! A good time was had by all, Happy Birthday Brooke!

Things will be great when you're downtown!

Just waitin on the birthday girl (and Darin) to arrive!

A very kind gesture by Kasey!

Addi and Brooke

... and the dancing begins! Joe does not look entirely convinced!

Think they're having fun?

Steak, Austin, Queso

"They're gonna make me do what??!!"

Natalie waving her prayer napkin and being supercute.

Don't mess with these dancers

Brooke looking thoroughly embarrassed onstage.


lerdies.

... and Brooke got just what she wanted for her birthday... a mostly naked Comicon nerd.

In Memoriam

Dennis Sherod: Beloved Father, Husband and Friend

Tonight we attended a memorial service for Dennis Sherod (those of you reading this will probably know him as Francesco's father) and I just wanted to say a few words about it. The service was held at sunset at the Torrey Pines Golf Pavilion, and was a truly wonderful remembrance of a life taken too soon. Although I only met Dennis briefly once or twice, the words spoken by Silvia, Desiree, Franc, and others clearly gave testament to his wonderful character. The family remembered to offer some of his favorite things (root beer, boston baked beans, etc.) and the night ended with a beautiful slideshow of the family. The mix of fondly humorous stories with poignant and touching ones mirror the way he will be remembered on into the future.

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Silvia, Franc, and Desiree: our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. May your sadness eventually wane into peace. Psalm 23:1.

Pat and Kaitlyn's Big Day

July 20, 2008
The Prado in Balboa Park

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What a great wedding! The weather was absolutely perfect... San Diego at its finest. Andrew and I had so much fun seeing two of our close friends join the married club. Here is Pat walking his mother down the aisle.

Kaitlyn walked down with both of her parents which was a sweet touch.

Doesn't she look stunning?

Here is the pronouncement. The couple's recessional was an untraditional choice, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz which was whimsical and ever so fitting.

Natalie's second role as bridesmaid... she gave a very heartfelt toast.

The cake cutting...

... and the sampling

Greg and Tiffany pretending that they've never seen a cake before. They convinced me!

Sorry if you are tired of kissing photos... I'm not

3 beers, 3 cheers

A little special aiming and Natalie got the bouquet!

Mert and Drew put a little show on for us at the end.


What a great night. We love you guys