Jon and Shannon

Derek's brother Jon and his wife Shannon came to Pekin to visit last week and boy did we have fun! We only get to see them a couple times a year since they live in Branson and Jon is a superstar there and all :o) I wanted to post all these pictures individually so I could comment on them but I couldn't figure out how to post more than 3 at a time so I just made a collage. you can click on it to see the pictures larger. Jack and Emma loved Jon and Shannon. Especially Jack though, for reals. He even slept with them at night! He did not leave Jon's side, which gave Derek and I a little break! We drank way too much and played lots of games. Our favorite was Apples to Apples - we will be getting this one. We played lots of American Idol on the Wii too. As you can see from the collage photo, my SIL Darcey thinks she is a superstar- whateva. We all know I am the real singer (and dancer) of the family! There is also a pic of the kids with Jon and Shannon - doing the robot. That is one of my Favorites. We had so many good memories this week, they will have to hold us over until we go to Branson this Spring.

Cuties

Here are a few pictures of the kids I like.





Jack was out playing in the snow and had to bring some in the house to show me - love the look on his face!


















"Are these for me?" Emma is a climber - she got up on the kitchen table to inspect some presents. Of course I had to break out the camera instead of immediately making her get down!

New Year's eve

We had a little party for New Years eve. Derek's parents all came over, and our friends Jeremy, Jesica and their son Aiden and our friends Jason, Christina and their son Jaiden came over too. try to get Aiden and Jaiden straight after a "few" martini's. Not easy!! We did make it up until midnight though - that is late for us old timers :o) We played Rock band and American Idol on the Wii. Jack had so much fun!

Christmas

Finally, here are some pictures from Christmas. My kids really need more toys!! Jack had such fun opening presents this year. I think he is a little unsure of the whole Santa thing though. Emma just wanted the toys, but not really into opening the presents.

Christmas morning at our house. Derek and I got up early and got all ready and made Jack stay in bed for awhile until Emma woke up and we were all ready to open presents. I think this was the last year to get him to be patient!

After we opened presents at our house we went to Dereks Dad's house and had Christmas there. We had a great day - ate lots of good food too :o)

This picture is at my Mom's house - doesn't it look like it is out of a magazine? She has it decorated so nice.

Emma got a red retro kitchen and Jack got a Nintendo DS from Derek and I. Jack got games for his DS and for the Wii and more toys than he will ever play with and Emma got lots of "girlie" stuff - love it!!!

little update

I know everyone is on pins and needles waiting for an update! I will post lots of pics and an update later. For now, the kids are emptying out drawers and playing with knives while I watch the Bonnie Hunt show, er I mean clean my house! I'm kidding, I would never let my kids empty out the kitchen drawers. Oh my, Little miss Emma just came upstairs to show me the DOG POOP on her little fingers. Gross. Anyone want either a 40 pound yorkie or a 13 year old husky that likes to potty in the house???

Picture with Santa

"just who in the world is this guy and why is he holding me?"

Christmas card picture

Okay, so this is what we had to work with for our Christmas card picture! Jack had a meltdown and Miss Emma can not sit still. It is way to much to ask for both of them to smile at the same time! We tried to get all 4 of us - yah right :o)