"Family is not an imortant thing, it's everything"

Summer time always means getting as much family time in as possible. So far we've done ok :D First came the introduction of our newest family member! Owen Neal Van Blerkom was born to Brian and Jennica on June 7th at 5:36 pm at 7 lbs 11 oz, 21 inches long. We were lucky enough to get down there in time to meet the little man just hours after he was born. Brian texted early that morning to let us know they had gone in to the hospital so as soon as Christopher came home from work we drove on down. This is the soonest I've ever gotten to hold a little one and I was in heaven with his precious little soul. Literally, he was so peaceful and fresh from heaven. It was crazy to hold such perfection in my arms.

Brian and Jenn are just the cutest parents too. It's so crazy to see Brian with Owen because he is so in love with him and cute and sappy. If you know Brian at all he is NOT a sappy or cutesy guy hahaha but I can already tell he is going to be an amazing Dad. He was changing Owen's diaper and he was crying so Brian kept telling him "Hey we're friends remember" haha I love it

Christopher had to be back for work Monday so we were only there over night. It was completely worth it though and I wouldn't have done it differently at all. It was really great to get to meet this little guy. So great in fact that I came back a week and a half later to be with him! Brian was heading back to work so I was lucky enough to spend a few days hanging with Owen and his momma! He is seriously so fun! He makes the FUNNIEST faces! And he laughs in his sleep. Its just hilarious!

I literally just held him as much as I possibly could either watching some TV or my personal favorite, reading. I mean really, is there anything better than holding a baby while reading a good book? I'm convinced not :)

I also got sometime in the afternoons and nights with Holden. He's getting so big and learning so much! I couldn't believe how great he's doing with his numbers and colors and stuff :D It was so much fun to play and chase him.

In between these two amazing visits I got to see my other kiddos too! Tyson, Maddy and the kids came up for father's day and we had a super good time. It had been WAY too long, Sophie and Kaleb had grown up so much! I got to read and snuggle with Sophie too! She is such a smart little girl! She wanted me to read an anatomy book to her, it was hilarious and I was so proud of her curiosity and eagerness to learn about everything.

This summer has been awesome and more good times are coming! I would give anything to be closer to these kids and their parents! It is always so great to get to spend time with everybody and I miss them all so much when we can't get together often. I sure hope we get more time together soon :D