Day 73. 2012.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here and I couldn't be happier about it!

There were a few years in there after my dad died when I really struggled to get into the Christmas spirit and I wondered if I would ever get it back.



But get it back, I have!

I thought this song was appropriate, just wish I could have it streaming on my blog....

We tried a new spot for our tree this year and I am so glad we did! It is no longer in the middle of the living room and I think he it looks pretty good right here!




After all of our hard work putting the tree up, we decided to enjoy some hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Someone got a little carried away with the marshmallows....

And of course, my big guy wasn't interested at all in trying the yummy treat...so sadly, there are no photos of him.

We also ventured out into the freshly fallen snow to play.

And the next morning, we had a visit from our favorite holiday friend, Zack Elf.

I think I am just as excited as the kids are to see him return!

Can't wait to see what antics he can get into this year...stay tuned, I will be sure and post photos on here!

Wishing you and yours a joyous Christmas season!

Day 301

I think the kids might have a hard time finding Mr. Elf today.

He decided to hide in one of our glass jar frames...hehe.

He looks like he belongs up there!

Day 298

Our elf took a 'bubble bath' (marshmallow bath) in our bathroom last night...

I think he had a fun time relaxing in the soft and squishy marshmallows!

Day 297

So, I shouldn't even be posting these photos, but it is pretty funny.

And it is a good thing to laugh at one's self sometimes, right?

Mr. Zack Elf got me back for the all the shenanigans that I have been doing the past couple of weeks around our house.

I fell asleep on the couch and was out for the count when our elf (or, ahem, a certain big guy at our house), decided it would be great fun to stamp my name on my forehead.

Sigh, I suppose that I deserve it.

I was out cold, and don't remember a thing but the elf also decided that it would be great fun to take a photo of me so we could always remember the trick he played on me.

Here is the photo....

This blog is supposed to be about my life, so I am posting this...can't believe that I am!

 The following photos are how the kids found the elf the next morning... That sneaky little stinker!

Day 296

Our elf is into climbing things...

Madi seems to think it is because he likes to watch over everyone during the day to see if they are being naughty or nice...

I like to think it is because he is making the 'no touching' rule a little easier to follow.

If he continues to be 'Mr. Not Talking', I don't think we'll be finding out anytime soon!

Day 293

Gone fishin'?
 

 Our elf did, last night!

 The kids and I both had a good laugh about it!

 He sure is up to a lot of hijinks lately!

We're all going to miss him when he has to go back to the north pole and be with Santa Claus until next year!

Day 292

Sorry to those of you who look forward to this daily post, I missed yesterday.

Let's just say that it was a long day!

Anyway, our elf decided it would be great fun to swing from a ribbon suspended on the dining room lights.

Day 290

I saw this idea on pinterest last night and just knew that I had to try it with my kids!

We woke up late this morning, and didn't have much time to search for our elf...

I ended up 'finding' him and when the kids heard me laughing (which was so real b/c this one cracks me up!), we all started giggling uncontrollably. 

 I mean, it is pretty silly, seeing an elf hanging upside down drinking your syrup out of a straw!

 Wonder what he will do next?!

Day 289

Another elf on the shelf post....

 This Christmas season is so much fun, I only wish I would have started this tradition sooner!

 All five of us are enjoying every second of it, Travis included.

 This morning, he picked elf up in front of the kids (he wanted m & m's and had forgotten the golden rule of not touching the elf.)

 Needless to say, he had to deal with three very shocked and upset kids.

 He didn't miss a beat and 'looked up a solution to get elf's magic back online'.

 The kids completely bought into the story he came up.

 We only had to shut all the lights off in the house and turn them back on three times really fast, wait 12 hours and the elf will have his magic back.

 Here's hoping (wink, wink) that he's right!

 Our elf got into some candy last night...looks like he enjoyed it!

Day 288

So, Mr. Zack elf has been a little naughty lately but last night he decided to copy our actions. Last night, I took the kids' photos in front of the Christmas tree. When we woke up this morning, this is what our Elf was doing... Madi is convinced that the otter couple he is taking photos of, must be magical too. Because like she said, 'how else could a little elf get those animals to look like they are in love?!' hehehe..

Day 287

Our sneaky little elf paid us a visit again last night.

Apparently he was in the mood to play a few little tricks....

because these are the little faces who greeted me this morning (I woke before them to make sure I captured these moments!).



Mean mama taking his picture as he wipes the sleepies out of his eyes.


And since I promised not to post my other guys photo on here, I am going to honor that...he was too embarrassed he said.

I guess he is growing up....makes me a little sad but I am thankful that he let me take the photo in the first place!

And here is how we found Zack elf...



I am loving all the Christmas memories we are making!