We are so Illinois-an

Chris here again with another exciting update from the great state of Illinois. Today was a grand old party with your three heroes finding themselves in a sticky situation once again- with a visit to the Jerseyville Community Hospital! Hooray for sickness. Mindy finally had enough and convinced me to take her and Luke to the doctor, so we figured that since Tricare wanted us to go as expensive as possible, we'd go to the ER and have them run a battery of tests on everyone. Luke got labs done, and made his first visit to Radiology! Wow-eee! Actually it was pretty painless (except for Luke when they drew a gallon of his blood- he started to look like that guy in Hot Shots) and it was really just a long wait. Oh well....diagnosis: ear infections for everyone! We got some antibiotics and some other goodies and were on our way. All said, a great way to kill 5 hours in southern Illinois. All the farmers around here are doing it.

Last night was Illinois Christmas, a Festivus-like celebration involving poles and feats of strength. OK, it was really just opening presents with the Shotts. Luke got lots of sweet toys, and I would tell you all about it, but someone in my family (hint: not a male) decided that I couldn't yet. So I tease you instead.



Now you want to know what I got, don't you? Too bad!

So instead of all that, I'll throw some pictures at you. The first is of the worship team from the Manhappenin' Church of the Nazarene on Mindy's last day there. It's kinda half silliness, half seriousness...John, you know you wanted to choke out Bobby when given the chance. And DJ, I expected more from you.



The next series is Mindy's last time announcing for the service. She decided to be funny (good job, honey!) and took pictures of the congregation from the stage.

The left side:


And the right side:


Things to note are the smug jerkiness I'm displaying in the back, the petite man on his tip-toes trying to see over the soundboard, and the absence of children. We don't allow them. OK, I lied, they were behind Mindy since it was the children's Christmas program that morning. Not pictured: the precariously leaning Christmas tree.