A Christmas Visitor

A couple of days ago an unexpected visitor arrived at our house.  His name is "Chippie Jinglebell String-Elf" (named by Brynn) and he is an Elf on the Shelf.  We woke up from nap one day to find him downstairs sitting on the toy box with his book.

If you have never heard of an "Elf on the Shelf" let me give you a little background.  This little elf is sent by Santa to watch over your children. He is supposed to arrive right after Thanksgiving each year.  Our elf must have gotten lost on the way because he was a little late this year.  You are not allowed to touch your elf but you can tell him as many secrets as you want...like maybe what you would like Santa to bring you.  Each night while we are sleeping the elf flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa.  He then comes back to our house and finds a new spot to sit for the next day. These days the first word out of Brynn's mouth each day is "Chippie".  She then runs around the house searching for Chippie's new post.

 We have learned that if we leave our elf alone for a long time he sometimes gets into mischief

He drank my last soda:-(

This is how we found the kitchen one morning!  It's hard to see but Chippie is also hanging from the chandelier.

I am so glad that Chippie has come to stay with us for awhile (according to his book he will go back home with Santa when he comes to our house).  I don't know who is having the most fun with this but I'm pretty sure that it's me.  The added benefit of Chippie is that the kids understand that he is watching and it has been great to help them remember their manners. 

Brynn and Colton both are currently on steroids for Croup.  I don't know what this medicine tastes like but from the way the kids act it must take like the worst thing you can possibly imagine.  We usually have to really fight with Brynn to get her to take it.  However, she takes it like a champ knowing that Chippie is watching and will be reporting to Santa (it still doesn't work with Colton).

I will post pictures of our future adventures with Chippie as the occur.  Best holiday tradition ever!!!!