TRAVEL FRIENDS

One never knows what new friends will cross our paths and what a blessing they will be. And who said that air travel was down over the holidays? Well, it wasn't anyone in the airports! Our plan was to fly with Natalie on Christmas morning to come home from NYC, but things didn't happen quite as planned. It took several tries but we finally made a flight. We are people watchers and watching people during the holiday rush can be quite interesting if not entertaining.

One of our flight attendants, Amy from Hawaii! We are now friends on FaceBook and I told her that we want to visit HER home!

As were were people watching...I see Laura, one of Natalie's former roomies. She also was on our flight. It was almost like having family close.

Atlanta...next stop...home...
Can anyone say tired?

Communication with Natalie and Amber...
...who just missed seeing Natalie in Atlanta by minutes.

We are looking forward to more new friends on our next travel!

EASTER PROMO!

We are loving the warm temps and the budding of the trees and flowers! This is the first year in many that the Bradford Pears have kept their blooms without a freeze. They have been beautiful! And speaking of beautiful...
...as the Easter outfits are chosen, it is also time to consider Easter Photo Sessions! Through the end of the month of March, we are offering $49 session fees at your favorite, local location and BOGO on gift prints! Available sessions are limited, so give us a call to schedule yours!

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARY

We love to celebrate birthdays and "someone" has a birthday this week! It doesn't matter to us which day of the month we celebrate because at The Raders, a birthday lasts all month long.

This is a year of milestones for us with both of us turning 50 and then the end of the year bringing 30 years of marriage. We were all four home, an unusual thing these days, so the girls fixed dinner and a cake. When we saw the card, it had BOTH of our names on it as well as Happy Anniversary! I'm thinking, hmmm, what is this all about? When we opened the card, we discovered that our girls had gifted us with a cruise! It was first, shock and then excitement immeasurable!

Thank you Girls for your sacrifice and generosity! We love you more than life!223 days till sail...

AR DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE BRIDAL FAIR

Brides and grooms turned out in record numbers for the January, 2009 AR Democrat-Gazette Bridal Fair! The information and excitement can be overwhelming and it certainly takes a bit of time afterward to digest it all. But decisions are being made and dates are being booked. We have 6 more bookings available, so give us a call!

TAYLOR & BRANDON'S WEDDING

About a month ago, Taylor came to us after church one Sunday evening and said that she wanted us to photograph her wedding. I said OK, when is it? She answered, "February 5th". And much to my surprise, she meant, in four weeks! Her plan was a simple ceremony with family and a few friends and that is exactly what she beautifully enjoyed. The ceremony took place at the newly renovated Ward Mansion, in Conway. Guest attire was black and white.
Brandon's last minute directions...

Sparkling, sweet spirited bride...

Grandmother's handkerchief around the stems of Taylor's bouquet...

Contemplating the future...

I couldn't resist this face!

Tears of joy...

We did it!

The cruise awaits!!!

Thank you Taylor and Brandon for allowing us to share this wonderful evening with you! We pray God's richest blessings on your new life together!

MEET AVA!

We would like for you to meet Ava, born January 13! What a way to begin our first blog of the year!!! She is approximately 7 hours old in these first few, barely making a peep the whole day!

But leave it to me to stir up a bit of excitement...at 11 days old and pretty in her pink...

We were missing big sister, but we will include her the next time around! Lindsay & Stephen, you now have 2 beautiful young ladies! We are most honored to share in this special time with you!

COLE ALEXANDER- 6 months

The miracle of life continues to amaze me! The growth and development not only in the physical sense, but the social and emotional sense as well. We could all use a bit more joy, like a child has such joy at the very sound of his mother's voice!

Becca & Brian, it brings us much joy to watch Cole grow and change! Thank you for sharing him with us!!

HOLDEN CHRISTMAS SESSION

As a baby shower gift from her aunt, Chassie brought her precious family for a Christmas session! Chassie left a couple of days ago, with her children to join her husband who plays basketball for the Bahrain Men's Basketball team. He was home for the birth of their son approximately two months ago, but had to return shortly after the birth.

Thank you Chassie for allowing us this small peek into the life of your family! We wish you safe travel and a very Merry Christmas!