Notes on Ryan.

How Jamie & Ryan met....their story: One of Jamie's friends attempted to set her up on a blind date with Ryan. She was busy with school/life/work & was not interested. Ryan called her several times & Jamie refused. Then, in September on a very warm day, he called her and asked if she would like to go jet skiing. Jamie accepted. Ryan always laughs & brags that she finally said yes & that he saw her in a swim suit on their first date!!!

When Dan & I met him: Christmas. When we went to the Meyer get together, Dan & I were just ahead of Jamie & Ryan in arriving. When we walked in the door, I was immediately bombarded with questions such as " What is he like? Is it serious? ". I remember kind of barging my way through the sea of Meyers like a snow plow mumbling something like " I don't know! We just met him ourselves 2 hours ago!".

See. That is THE basic & defining characteristic that separates our family. I don't meddle.

Ryan: Is smart. Is a ranger. Is the oldest son of a teacher & paraprofessional. Is opinionated. Is well liked. Is friendly. Can be bull headed. Is a great husband. Knows how to handle Jamie when she finally loses her temper. Has learned how not to push her that far or to push the buttons that will make her furious. Jamie in a furious state is 1) NOT pretty. 2) NOT logical.

Ryan as Dad: Is very involved. Babies Grace. Grace has Ryan wrapped around her little finger:) Is consistent in his expectations of his kids. Has a very good handle on who & what both Connor & Grace are becoming. Is supportive.

As a brother-in-law: Is supportive of both Jessica & Danielle. Is sincerely interested in their lives, goals & aspirations. Gives good advice without really knowing that he is helping to guide them. Is a leader / trail blazer for the other possible future sons-in-law.

As a son-in-law: Is decidedly independent. Appreciates that Jamie is our daughter but makes it pretty clear that they are a separate entity ( yeah. Like I have the time OR energy to manage someone else's life!). Is becoming more & more comfortable in his realization that we love & accept him, appreciate him & are very proud that our oldest daughter chose such a fine man to make her life partner..