Saturday - Hosler Family Christmas Gathering!

Ken and I were up by 6:30 and got ready to go to Ephrata Church of the Brethren for the Hosler Christmas gathering!  This year Ken and I were in charge so we got there about an hour before the 10:00 catered breakfast buffet.  Ken's sister and her husband came early to lend us a helping hand setting up the tables and creating centerpieces.  I had borrowed some gorgeous Christmas decorations from Jamie and I must say, the tables really did look gorgeous.  Priscilla had brought some fresh cut greens to complete the arrangements.

What a wonderful time of good food, fun, and fellowship.  There were 39 of us and after we finished eating, we formed a circle and a spokesperson for each family gave a short informative sharing time about what is going on in their family in the present, past and future!  There was lots of interaction which made it very special.  Then our daughter, Lanie, had planned some games for the children and one included knocking over a pyramid of solo cups with these soft, but sturdy snowballs.  The kids loved it but it didn't take long for the adults to get in on the action - snowball battles in the fellowship hall.  The "party" ended around 1:00 and a good time was had by all!

Just a few photos of family members -

Lance, the son of Ken's youngest brother, Phil!

Bob, Tim and Dane!

Ken's youngest brother, Phil, is in the back and older brother,
Paul, is talking to Lance!

Here is a photo of the youngest members of the Hosler clan.  Well, that isn't quite true!  Bryant, the son of Ken's youngest brother, and his wife just had a baby girl about 1 week ago and they also have a 2 year old son.  Unfortunately, they were not able to join us.

Upon our return home, Ken decided to rest and I continued with the scrapbook pages - I hope I soon get them completed!!!!  We left again at 3:30 for our church's Christmas service.  They have about 7 services at our Ephrata Church from Saturday till Monday.  It was a very beautiful service.  

After leaving there, we headed to Funck's Restaurant to have dinner with 2 of the couples in our card club.  But, we had gotten a text message from Dan and Jackie, tonight's hosts, and Jackie was still sick (has been for over a week) and could not host or join us.  So, we had dinner with Gary and Marcia and then came back to our house so the 4 of us could play cards.  Fortunately, they were able to overlook the chaos of our apartment, for between Christmas gifts and packing for our return to Florida it looked like a tornado went through.  We were so glad they came back, because we had such a good time together, but we certainly missed having Dan and Jackie with us.

They left around 11 and we went right to bed!  What a great day!