Grammy's birthday

On Sunday, November 1, 2009 we had the pleasure of celebrating Grammy's (Dolores Aquila's) 73rd birthday with her. She is such a vibrant and youthful woman...who loves her Lord, her family and her friends! With the exception of her second child and his family (who live in Texas) the rest of the children and grandchildren were present for the special lunch at Connor's. This is one of her favorite places to eat...and I have to say, they do know how to make a special day truly special there.

..Grammy opening a card..
...one of Grammy's gifts.....
..special homemade pumpkin ice cream....Connor's special treat to the birthday girl.....
<..but GRAMMY wanted a whole serving of strawberry shortcake.....her own piece and would not share with Mary...so she ordered her own...ate it ALL and then finished Mary's as well. As you can see, the portion size is quite ample. We have STILL not let her live this down !!

...just a little late.....

I finally dumped all the photos from my camera onto the computer and realized I never posted Abigail's pictures from the fall carnivals at her school and our church...I am just a little late :)Abigail at the church carnival with two of her best friends....spider girl and gangster.....
...Gangster and Abigail....
...Abigail just before we left for her school carnival...

We were so tickled to find this Twister costume at Walmart. It was so unique, and though 'mass produced' we did not see anyone else wearing it. She won best overall costume at her school costume contest :) She enjoyed wearing it three times...for her school party on the 30th, trunk or treating at her school on October 31, then wearing it at our church carnival on November 1.

Botanical Garden Walk Thru

On November 13, we had the opportunity to visit the local botanical gardens for a walk thru of the Christmas lights. Abigail enjoyed doing this with a special friend! The drive thru will be fun too...and we plan to do that twice in December. While walking we even met up with some of Abigail's classmates, and you'll see them pictured below as well. We always enjoy looking for the newest lights/displays...it's a game to spot what was added since last year :)...this is our FAVORITE display...the real meaning of Christmas....
...Abigail with her peace sign face painting.....
..and "J" with her Christmas tree....The girls got these done as we started the walk thru.
..the girls trying to decide who was on Santa's nasty and nice list....
....from left to right....."L", "S" (Abigail's classmates), Abigail and "J"

Thanksgiving 2009...

Each year, our Thanksgiving is a bit different. We never know who will be with us..some years a lot of family can come; some years, not quite as much.....some years, a special guest....some friends....some years just family. This year we had 12 people in all, a rather good sized group for us. The food was probably the best I remember ever having....and the company was awesome. We are truly blessed as a family, a church, a country, and a community..me with our special guest, Mrs. Teresa...
...Maddie, Abigail, Grammy and Ben in the kitchen after the feast......
....Abigail with Granny and Granddaddy just before they headed back to Georgia......
...Vince, Mary, "Mom" and Bruce...three of the four Aquila kids.....
..our little family...not sure why I was distracted.....
...the bread and deviled eggs..Mom's homemade rolls (on the back row) were a HIT.....
..the turkey before it was carved....he looks a little pale, but was more brown in real life....
..the turkey once he was sliced.....

..the dressing....it turned out really good this time.....