the {notorious} E.L.F.

our elf on the shelf fred kicked it up a notch this year.  he was tired of doing the same ole, same ole.  i think he hacked my pinterest account (and some of the blogs that i frequent!) because this year his mission was to make the kids giggle at his shenanigans. 

although every single day wasn't wacky (hey, sometimes an elf just wants to chill in a stocking or sit on a lamp.  you know?!?!) i think the kids AND fred had more fun this year.  here are some of our personal faves: 

hanging out with the superheroes, doing a little ziplining, playing candyland with his peeps, baking us some delicious sugar cookies, and giving us a preview of santa's naughty/nice list**  (chandler took offense to mommy and daddy being on the naughty list.  austin said that chan was sitting at the table eating breakfast when he looked over and said, "Fred, will you please put my mommy and daddy on the nice list?"  there was a pause of silence and then chandler said, "okay.  i will take that as a maybe" and went back to eating!  he's such a hoot!)

chan and ava had the flu so fred decided to "doctor" them up....with a little nod towards will ferrell on SNL, sneaking into the candy stash, taking the barbie car out for a spin with the Hulk, making his presence known with blocks, and riding into the sunset on bullseye. 

the last night fred was here, he chose to share the story of Jesus's birth with some of his friends by reading them the story "miracle in a manger".  i always knew ole fred was a good elf!  he's returned to the north pole until next year...but the kids are already wondering what kind of fun he'll be up to when he returns!