Wow! It's been a loooong time. No pictures tonight but my goal to have more posted by the end of the weekend. (Don't hold your breath, just in case.)

Splish Splash

A few weeks ago, I took the kids to a water pad (not sure if that's what it's really called) since we haven't opened the pool yet. They had a great time. Here is Emily getting dumped on. Last year she would not have stuck around. She's braver this year. Alyssa had fun but got cold quickly. Here she is shivering. :-)

Anna just giggled and giggled. Who knew water could be so fun!
And little Eli....he still isn't walking so I had to help him. However, it was just one week after little Max was born and the bending over to hold him up was hurting me. (and I didn't want to get wet) So he had shorter increments of water time and he LOVED every second.

In between Eli's water times, he sat on the bench watching his sisters just laughing and laughing.

We're planning another trip to the water pad later this week!

Alyssa turned 6!

I can't believe it but Alyssa is 6! Her birthday was May 26th. Here are all the kids with her cake on her actual birthday. Here is Alyssa at her party. (The cake is supposed to be a beach ball....just go with it.)
We are blessed to be the parents of this sweet and caring little angel. She is commonly known as Eli's second mom. Alyssa has a heart for the Lord and we couldn't be more proud of her. Happy Birthday, Alyssa! We love you!

Eli's Heart

Eli is checking out his new little brother. Well, it has been exactly one month since Eli's heart procedure. He is doing great. As a matter or fact, he seems to be feeling so much better...I can't keep up with him. :-) We are thankful for everyone's prayers and for God's healing hand. We are still praying for him to start walking and talking - but we feel like that day is coming soon! Thanks everyone!

Welcome Baby Max!

Maxwell Isaac arrived on May 12, 2009 at 8:57am

weighing in at a healthy 8 lb. 10 oz and 20 3/4 inches long.
Our first family picture!

All snuggled up!
More pictures coming soon!

Playing

The kids got a trampoline this year. Casey got it put together and the fun started. I think he had just as much fun jumping.

Anna got a new microphone this year. She wasted no time singing in it. (You will have to pause the music I have playing on the side in order to hear Anna) Sorry that it it sideways. I'm not sure how to turn it.

Some Assembly Required....

Time to put together all the new toys !

So, the adults spent a good part of the morning assembling all the new, fun, exciting toys!

No grandparent was exempt from the task.

"Some assembly required" means it may take two or three of you a few hours to get the toy put together.

Thank goodness for the instructions in pictures. And thankfully we didn't lose any pieces!

So while all the adults worked hard to put together all these new toys........

the girls used some of the old boxes to make...cars. :-)

Christmas!

Christmas Morning!

The kids were very excited. I didn't get that great of pictures...oh well.

Eli didn't actually open any of his presents...he just played with the tissue paper.
Emily just ripped through hers!

Anna really wanted this movie. She held most of her presents in front of her face.

Here's Alyssa! And earring holder! Now we won't lose them.

Jesus Messiah

I've had to change the music playing...only because this song has become a favorite for the girls. Everytime we get in the car, this is the first song requested. It so neat to hear their sweet little voices singing praises to our God. We are blessed!

A visit with my brother

Cousins! It's hard to get 6 kids to all look at the camera and sort-of smile at the same time! We did it, although it wasn't my camera they were looking at. :-) Left to right is Matt, Alyssa, Nathan, Emily, Anna, and Eli.

We had a nice visit with my brother, his wife, and two sweet boys just before Christmas! The kids wasted no time before playing hard. :-)

Here they are! We don't get to see them often so it was a nice treat.

Wow!

Well, I'm not sure what to say. I'm failing on the blog. My last post...pictures of before Christmas, a January post date, and Valentine border!! Ha! Sorry to all of you faithful family readers. I had to reset my password this time because I couldn't remember the old one! Not only have I failed on the blog, I haven't taken many pictures lately either.

I'm not sure why?...4 kids, homeschooling, 30 weeks pregnant, dr. appts, laundry, cooking, dishes, dance, gymnastics, soccer, etc.

Anyway, I hope to update (catch up) soon. Hang in there!

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."