Happy {belated} Memorial Day: a very special homecoming

Hope y'all had a fantastic Memorial Day.  We spent some much needed time away at my in-laws River House, but this post is not about that.  We are so excited to share a super special homecoming with you.

Gretchen (my sister-in-law) and Ryan (my brother-in-law) live out in Washington state. Ryan is in the Navy and while he was deployed their first child was born.  Declan Christopher arrived 5 weeks ago weighing a whopping 9lbs 7oz..   Last Tuesday their little family was reunited and Ryan got to hold his precious baby boy for the first time.  When the pictures started rolling in, the happy tears started rolling down.

We're so proud of both of them!!  Ryan for sacrificing so much to serve our country and Gretchen, for being so strong to go through this without her husband by her side. I don't want you to think she was alone though, my awesome mother-in-law was with her through all of it and Ryan "skyped" for 11 hours straight so he didn't miss a thing.  How awesome is technology?  I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we did.

Ryan meeting Declan for the first time.

Such a proud Daddy!

Look at this beautiful family!

What a sweet, sweet boy!

We couldn't be happier for them. Thanks Gretchen and Ryan for letting us share your special day. And thank you to all the men and women that give up so much to protect our wonderful Country!