Thanksgiving 2011

 We had our biggest crowd yet for Thanksgiving. I think the final count was 20. We loved having everyone over for the festivities.

We borrowed some tables from our neighbors, and we bought some new decorations.

I think it turned out nice. Everyone contributed to dinner, and brought some delicious dishes! It was so nice to have everyone help. Everything tasted so great. We had so much fun.

Look at all the fun Jaussi's

We also love having Maria join us!

I sure love my family and I love that they would want to come to my house for Thanksgiving. We went for our traditional trip to the bowling alley after dinner, then back to our house for pie. What a great day!

Ears Pierced!

An important day for Abbie arrived. Going to get her ears pierced. She had been waiting to turn 8 so long. So to Claire's in the District we went.

Then the reality and the nerved hit!! 

The finished product! Such a cute girl!! She realized it wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it would be! What a grown up kid!

Abbie Kate is 8!!

Abbie turned 8 and was so excited. For two reasons. To get her ears pierced and to get baptized!!

My cute girl with her new scriptures!

Here is her cupcake 8. She didn't have a big party, because we were going to have everyone over for her baptism, but we did go to dinner where she wanted that night. Where did she pick? "The place with the Jello."  Yes, we went to Chuck A Rama for her celebration dinner. Shane had to work, so Jean and Jane and Ann and Laurie joined us to make it extra fun!! I think she had a great day. How could you have a bad day on 11/11/11!!!

Halloween 2011!

The Toponce Kids and the annual Pose in front of the fireplace!

Natalie is a Gallagher Girl. A character from one of her favorite books. (and no, not very many people knew who she was, but she and her friend Jenae did it together and had a great time!)

Hallie was a nerd. We found the pants, shirt, and bow tie in the basement at Shane's dads. We saved it for a costume and we thought it was funny that, without knowing we had the stuff,  Hallie said she wanted to be a nerd!

Abbie the cheerleader. We had two cheerleader costumes here that would have fit her and couldn't find them anywhere! I love that I asked on Facebook and found one to borrow right away. I didn't want to buy one when I know we have some. I can't believe we probably gave them to D.I. when we had a little sister that would fit in them one day. Anyway. . . I have been in the Toponce family a long time, because I always have a background story now. . .

And Jace was Batman, and the best looking one yet!!  Love the pose he did on his own. I also have to add, that it took FOREVER to trick or treat with him. He had a something to say to everyone! Complimenting their costume, reminding them when he had been to their house, telling them he liked their banister (true!), or some other thing he had to share. This kid is as social as they come!

My beautiful children just before heading out for some treats. I am a blessed lady to have these great kids!!