Happy Sumo and A Homecoming

This weekend was packed full of family. Bryan's mom and our sister in law Ashley came out for a visit. Mom and Megan have been staying with us and it's been so fun. Lots of game playing! I love that our place is big enough to accommodate company now! We introduced them to Happy Sumo; so delicious! We had been planning on going up to Gardner's Village all week but the "snow storm" didn't make that seem too appealing. Instead we met up with Ashley and our niece Keira for the day. It was great--we miss them so much!

Sunday day was filled with my family. My cousin Chris got home from his mission in Vancouver, Canada. Tons of my extended family was in town to celebrate his homecoming. It was a nice change to not be the only "Hoggatt" representing at an extending family gathering. Even if the other Hoggatt only made fun of the all the old people's overly vibratoy voices the entire meeting. Chris gave an incredible talk; It always amazes me how much growth can happen during two years. I think Chris changed even more than most because of the trials he faced with what happened to my Uncle Jan while he was gone. His stories of dedication and love of the Savior brought the spirit in so strongly and the emotions were running pretty high for all of us. Sitting there and seeing what my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins have had to endure was very difficult; but looking around the church and seeing pew after pew full of family members made me see how our family really is there to bear one another's burdens and love unconditionally.

Anyway, it will be great to have Chris back. He left two days before Bry and I got married so it was kind of sad to have him miss out on that big change in my life when we have been so close. But I'm sure he'll get plenty of us now! :) I thought this pic was a fun flashback. Right after my bridals Allene told us to come over so Chris could see my dress.

Cousins! Brenda, Tosh, Me, and Chris doing the over happy smile.