Sleeping by the Christmas Tree

Every year we pick a night for the girls to sleep in the den by the Christmas Tree lights. They usually watch movies until they go to sleep.

All the girls picked a couch to sleep on this year.

Alyssa slept in the recliner.

And here's the tree with the lights shining in the dark.

They were very excited for Christmas this year. Anna asked every day if today was the day. Christmas pictures are coming soon!

December Snapshots

Look at these pretty princesses! The girls love to smile with orange peels in their mouths.

The Rader boys...watching the Big 12 Championship. Go Sooners!

Gymnastics Exhibition

Emily and Alyssa had a gymnastics exhibition in December. They both had a great time and it was good to see how they are improving.

Here is Emily on the beam. This was her first event and she had to face the audience. Needless to say, she was bit distracted by all the activity. She did well though.

Here is Alyssa on the beam also. Lucky for her, she didn't have to face us so she could stay a bit more focused.

They both received ribbons for each event. They should have one or two more exhibitions this spring. We are looking forward to them!

Dance Classes

The girls all started dance class right after Thanksgiving. We had to wait until soccer and basketball ended. They are taking at Miss Tracie's. Emily's teacher is Miss Kristy.

Here is Anna with Miss Tracie. Each of the girls have their own class this year so it makes for a crazy evening but recital should be fun.

Alyssa and Miss Tracie - The girls all love Miss Tracie. They affectionately call her "Aunt Tracie."

Long Time - No Blog

I can't even believe it myself. It has been almost 2 months! I almost didn't even remember my password. Wow. Well, I hope to get several posts out over the next few days. We have been doing well, just staying crazy busy. Our newest news.....we are having a boy! Here are a few pics of the ultrasound. I'll spare him by not posting the one that gave us no questions on him being a boy. We are going to name him Maxwell Isaac but we will call him Max. We are looking forward to his arrival in May! More posts to follow soon!

Pickles!

Well, Papa has had the great honor of giving each of our children their first pickle. Eli reacted with shock but went back for more.
I guess it's safe to say that all of our children love pickles!

Emily's Basketball

Emily has been playing basketball these last few months. She has really improved this year. And more than that - she has had a blast. Like Alyssa smiles the entire time she plays soccer...Emily smiles the entire time she plays basketball. Here are some snapshots from some of her games.

Here she is taking a shot. Although the ball didn't go in this time...she did make several baskets this year.

Anna turned 4!

Anna turned 4 on the 16th. After the party, we ran some errands and told the girls to get on shoes and coats....
This is how Anna dressed...in her new clothes Grandma Pat gave her and her new froggie rainboots, coat and umbrella from Grandad.

And yes, we let her go dressed like that. :-)

Happy Birthday little Anna! You have been a blessing to our lives and we love you so much!

All Dressed Up

Emily was Queen Elizabeth.













Alyssa was a cheerleader.







Anna was a princess.

And Eli was a sock monkey.

Our neighbors had this little fall arrangement in their yard. We borrowed it for their pictures.

Trick-or-Treat

We had a great time trick-or-treating this year. I think this was our first time since Emily was 1 year old. We've always gone to Fall Festivals. Anyway, the girls really enjoyed it. Emily was a speed trick-or-treater. Alyssa just tried hard to keep up with Emily and Anna moved slowly checking every thing, person, and candy out.

Here is Eli's one and only trick-or-treat. He was real fascinated with this sweet woman. And he was content to ride in the front of the stroller for the rest of our journey. He's a sweetheart.

Candy!

Emily and her loot.

Alyssa, a.k.a. the candy queen!

Anna is all smiles!

Eli just got his one piece and he we still so happy!

The girls were so excited to hand out candy after we got home...unfortunately, we didn't have but maybe 4 little trick-or-treaters before we had to call in a night.

Carving Pumpkins!

The Rader Pumpkins

Emily giving Casey instructions....eating a cookie. :-)

Emily dug out all the guts by herself.

All done - with some of that cookie still on her chin.

Miss Sally helped Alyssa, who also has a cookie shoved in her mouth.

playing with the seeds

Alyssa with her perfect pumpkin

PaPa helped Anna carve her pumpkin.

Want a bite?

All finished!

Eli liked the pumkin guts.

Mom helped Eli and here's the finished product.

All the Rader pumpkins!

Pumpkin Patch

We headed to the Pumpkin Patch on Wednesday. It was pretty picked over but we still found some great pumpkins.

Anna helped Eli pick his.

Everyone is happy with their pumpkins...We'll carve them tomorrow.