Happy Birthday, Poppy!

Today we are celebrating another birthday, this one belonging to Mike's dad, or "Poppy" to Madeline and Timothy. We spent the weekend in Ohio because we celebrated my Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary (I'll add pictures later), so we were able to see Gramma and Poppy for a little while, but we were busy busy with party preparations and distracted by certain football games as well! We made it home safely last night, and Mike shoveled our driveway, which we couldn't even pull into! When we got up this morning the kids made this special birthday message for Poppy, so without further ado, here it is!

We're looking forward to spending more time with you this weekend. Love you, Dad!

-shannon

New Pictures =)

I'm just going to let this picture speak for itself. (OK, and also direct you to the pictures that I posted in my new album. There's a link on the side of the page, or you can just click here. )

That's all =)

-shannon

Big Night!
Tonight was the night of the children's musical at our church. Madeline has put in many an hour of practice over the past several months, and tonight was the big night! (She in fact told me on the way home from church that when I blogged about this that I needed to call it "Big Night," because it was, for everyone!)

Madeline had a solo in the second song of her musical. The musical this year was set in a toy store, and four of the characters were toys. Madeline's lines in the solo are from the perspective of "Shine Bear," a poor bear who has lost her batteries but otherwise would have shone for everyone. (She does later find her batteries, never fear!)

Before the children's musical, the kids from age 3-5 came out and sang in the "cherub choir." Timothy was part of the choir and did his part to "make a joyful noise!"

It's always a treat to attend, and this year was no different. The kids did a great job, and had fun too.

We took a few video clips of their songs, and they are below, so enjoy!
-shannon

Thankful

Let me start by saying that the absence of a Thanksgiving post up to this point in no way indicates that our family is not thankful =) We certainly have much to be thankful for and had a great time over the holiday weekend.

We headed down to Tennessee to visit my folks, and were also able to see Unce Matt and (future aunt) Hannah! We even drove down to Aunt Robin and Uncle Mark's house Thursday evening and saw some of the Rader clan.

So without further ado, here are some pictutes from our trip:

We went out to my family's favortie chinese restaurant "Chef Wang's" and enjoyed some good food together.

All the gals were able to go out and do a little shopping too. Here is a picture of Madeline with her Mimi at the coffee shop, taking a little break from the hustle bustle.
My lovely sisters thought it would be fun to go to the bookstore, grab a cup of coffee, and have some "together time." Maybe I'm missing something....does it look like they're bonding????
We took advantage of every opportunity to ham it up for the camera. Here's a shot of all the girls that Timothy decided to jump in on at the last minute.
And of course we have the recurring theme of birthdays....here's Madeline and Timothy with Aunt Heater. If it looks like they couldn't love her any more, it's because they couldn't! They are crazy about her, and today is her birthday. Happy Birthday, Heather!!!

When we were down in Tennessee, my dad had his birthday too. The kids worked hard to create birthday messages for Papa. They included unbiased reflections of how smart, nice, handsome and wonderful he is. =)
The kids had a lot ot fun over the break, here they are playing around at Mimi and Papa's house in front of their Christmas tree.
Madeline with Mimi and Papa.
Madeline even helped make Thanksgiving dinner.

We headed down to Robin and Mark's house, and Mike had fun playing some sequence with his cousins and Uncle Rod.

Madeline made some pictures, always the artist, here she is with our newly engaged cousin Kristin. Congrats!
Timothy found his niche playing video games....I know, what a surprise!
Madeline always loves getting to see cousin Katelyn.
Here is Mike talking to Aunt Robin and Uncle Rod before we left.
We had a great trip and loved seeing everyone. We're already looking forward to Christmas because p-chem will be over....I mean because we'll get to see everyone again! ;)

Tonight is the kid's Christmas musical at church, Madeline has a small solo, and is very nervous. We know she'll be great! I'll make sure to get some video and pictures from tonight!

Happy and blessed,

shannon