Carrie, Chloe & Camille Here after Christmas

Carrie, Chloe and Camille arrived the Saturday after Christmas. They were due on Friday, but there were delays and cancellations both in NYC and Chicago, so we finally got them here via Amtrak from Chicago after they spent the night at a Westin there.
Once they were here, we had a great time visiting, opening presents, shopping, playing games, etc. Roland and I had to leave on Sunday, but they will be in Springfield with Papa until Tuesday.
We had a wonderful visit!

Bill Hass, SHS '65, Visits

December 26, Bill Hass, Roland's best friend since highschool days, was in Springfield for the day and visited with us. Here's a picture of the two of them. Bill retired last year from the United Nations, and we flew out to his retirement party. He and wife Joan live in Westport, CT.

Christmas Day in Springfield

Dad, Roland and I had a wonderful day. First we went to Christmas Brunch at the Crown Plaza with Roland's brother Chuck and nephew Ben. It was fabulous. Then we relaxed at Dad's house for a while, lit a fire, called all the family to sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", had a light supper, and opened presents. Later we listened to Christmas CD's and watched "Home Alone". It was a lovely, quiet day.

The Candy Cane

The Snowball Fight!

Copy this and paste into your browser to see Roland and I, Papa, Chloe & Camille having a snowball fight.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/qert2WDToW1jqX1o5tqO

Shipping off again

Please pray for Jason and his family - wife Jenni and daughters Jessica, Kailah and Jordan. Jason leaves on Saturday, December 27, for another 6 month tour in Iraq.

Committee Christmas Ball

Stacy and Frank are on The Committee that plans a big Christmas Ball at the Hilton every December. Dad, Naomi and I had dinner at Illini, and then joined Stacy and Frank and Rich and Gina at the dance. We had a great time. Dad's knees are feeling better, so he and Naomi danced several dances, and then i had a dance with him too.

CHRISTMAS WITH JASON & HIS GIRLS

Jason and Kailah came to Springfield, and they picked up Jessica and Jordan and came to Dad's house to celebrate Christmas with us. We had a pizza party and then opened presents. It was so nice being with all of them. My three teenage granddaughters are such pretty, sweet girls! I hope to see a lot more of them in 2009.
Jason leaves for Ur, Iraq on December 27. Please pray that his 6 months there are safe.

Thanksgiving 2008

Cathy came with Abby from Denver, and Erik, Kris, Spencer and Megan came from Michigan. Dad took us all to a lovely Thanksgiving buffet at Illini Country Club, and Roland's brother, Chuck, and nephew, Ben, joined us. It was wonderful. We are so glad to have shared the holiday with part of the family we are so thankful to have.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Burke 2008 Christmas Letter

Our Christmas letter was lengthy this year, and i tried sending it out, but not everyone could open it, and some only got parts. So i scanned the 4 pages and saved them as photos on the Snapfish website. Here is a link to that site. Enjoy!

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=261575831/a=22521046/t_=22521046