Lightning the Elf

So, I fell into the Elf on a Shelf trap...I admit it.  Here is the deal for me though, it is a reminder of MY childhood.  I know it is WAY more commercialized now, but when I was growing up my Nanny had elves (that looked JUST like the ones now) that would hide in her house and leave us little gifts of candy and books before Christmas.  She was ahead of her time I guess...she could have made millions if we had only known to patent the idea and create a cute little name to put on a box!!!

Anyway, we have started the tradition this year to have "Lightning The Elf"  in our home every Christmas.  Yes, the idea is to have him report to Santa every night, BUT I think the most fun is just looking for him each morning.  A fun little game for Mason to play when he wakes up. 

We started this on Tuesday night since we were all too sick after Thanksgiving.  After nixing the names "mommy", "T-rex" and "iahobgouabgoueavfgbaoiuvgfai" we settled on Lightning (taking off the Original "McQeen" last name ;) )

Lightning is a silly elf and Mason is not quite sure of him just yet.  We are just having fun with him so far and not emphasizing the threat of bad behavior meaning a dissapointing trip to see Santa.  I think that might be too much for Mason to handle.  And we all know that a fit here and there is perfectly normal AND that Santa will still visit for those that do the whole Santa thing.  So, he'll just be a fun game for us this year.

Here is Lightning on his first couple of hide-outs:

And of course...more important than any elf or Santa or gifts or anything else this holiday season...the TRUE meaning of Christmas.  Baby Jesus.

Tis the season...

To be WAY behind on my blog.  :)

I was last here before I went on my cruise...IN SEPTEMBER.  December starts this week.  My oh my where have the days, weeks and months gone?  It's gone something like this...

September:
Cruise to the Bahama's for our 5 year wedding anniversary

October brought Pumpkin Patches, State Fair of Texas visits, Halloween parties, Trick or treating, family gatherings, etc.

November was our 5th anniversary, my birthday celebrating, mini-vacation, a big 3 year olds birthday and cowboy party, Thanksgiving traditions and more parties, and a ride on the North Pole Express.  And the sickies...I am so over being sick in our household.

So, looks like I have some catching up to do, but I probably won't.  That would be like 15 seperate blogs...so here are a few pictures from some of our events.  Hopefully I can remember to blog more throughout the Christmas holiday.  It is such a magical time of the year!

SEPTEMBER:

Atlantis Resort- Bahamas

Such a beautiful island!

On the cruise ship before dinner one night

Freeport, Bahamas...we did some kayaking and some snorkeling.  The storm coming is was crazy!

OCTOBER:

Field Trip with Mason's school to the pumpkin patch

State Fair of Texas

Little Hands on the Farm at the State Fair

Halloween party at school- my cowboy

Just playing dress-up after trick-or-treating

Graham Family gathering in Grapevine- Mason and the balloon artist

NOVEMBER:

Mini-vacation- Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve...feeding the deer out of the car

Scenic view in the middle of the drive at Fossil Rim- Glenrose, TX

Dinosaur World- Glenrose...Mason suddenly LOVES dinosaurs

Dinosaur World museum

Thanksgiving party at school

Friends at Mason's cowboy birthday party

My birthday cowboy

Family photo at Mason's birthday party

Mason and Cowboy Pappy...my dad is crazy sometimes!

Gifts from mommy and daddy for a big 3 year old

Making an ornament before riding the North Pole Express

Mason and Frosty

On the train ride...Mason and Santa Clause