The invitation was for a family outing on the porch and by the pond...bring warm jackets and lawn chairs.  Some family members were in the area from other states creating an evening of rare time together.  We read the "freeze warning" on the computer, so we dressed even warmer.

As you are aware if you read this blog, we all look forward to going to the old farmhouse in the country.  Two families reside here, one on each side of the house.  Brother-in-law and sister-in-law on one side and our neice, her husband, and children on the other side.  Both were hosting the evening activities.

 

 

The porch once again offered an inviting welcome to everyone.

But, do to the weather, the evening plans changed, and we were invited inside.

 

Now, I am not sure if you are like me, but sometimes change of plans can fluster me, especially when it involves 39 people as it did on this particular evening.

But, we realized very quickly, that it was not the case with the two hostesses in charge.

Calmly and graciously they welcomed us all inside, and carried on as if it was the plans all along.

 

 

 

The small lit table inside the front door offered the above message.

The aroma of the homemade apple and pear pies were in the air. 

 

 

 

 

No one cared that the space was limited.  Everyone was happy to be together again, the older and the younger ones interracted with each other.  The plastic snake added fun entertainment, especially for our grandson.  He was happy with each "over reaction" that he received from his pranks.

 

 

 

 

Obviously, the younger sister was happy to be with her older sister again.

 

 

 

A "coloring table" was made for the younger children, with crayons included.

 

 

 

Three generations shared in the evening conversations.

 

 

Welcoming...comfortable...adapting...safe...and inviting.  Words that clearly express the gift of hospitality, whenever and however it is expressed.

 

Thank you for stopping by.