One Great Big Happy Family

About a month ago, we headed off to Utah to celebrate several wonderful occurances. We welcomed my brother Matthew home from his two year mission in the Phillipines, we participated in the official adoption and temple sealing of my niece and nephew to my sister, Charity, and brother-in-law, Dave, and we had our second official Hardin Family Reunion, which was a blast. It was awesome to see Matties again. He is such a stud! I loved getting to spend a bit of time getting to know his girlfriend (now finace) as well. So excited to have her in the family! It was so neat to hear Matthew's testimony of the gospel, as well. He has been such a great example to our kiddoes. Charity and Dave's adoption proceedings went well. I was glad we were able to go to the court event, because I have never witnessed something like that before. It was very educational. The judge seemed like a really neat lady, and everything went more or less smoothly. The temple adoption was wonderful, as well. It is so neat that we are able to participate in ordinances that allow families to be sealed together for time and all eternity. Our reunion was...hilarious and fun and delightful...I adore my family. We had everyone there with the exception of one brother. Mom and Dad had found an enormous house in Salem to rent for the several days of our reunion, complete with a huge indoor pool and hot tub. We enjoyed playing on a bouncehouse, a "how well do you know your spouse" game, and a family water olympics, hosted by Charity. (Toshi's skills in carrying a popsicle stick between his nose and upper lip are unparalled!) We also watched "The Great Race" in honor of our brother who was unable to attend. We know he would have liked that. (-; All in all, it was a wonderful week.