On November 30, my girls went to sleep with no complaints and a smile on their face. They suspected that our elf, Scout, would show up the next morning and they were so excited. When I went into their room that morning, they immediately asked me if I had seen him. I hadn’t even looked for him yet, so we talked about where he might be. I thought I heard something, but the girls didn’t and so we went about getting ready for school. A few minutes later, Josh yelled out that the doorbell was ringing. Ella gasped and launched herself out of bed. It didn’t take her long to realize there was no one at the door, but she did find this brown paper package (this was a huge win for Scout, but it did prompt all sorts of questions about the hour of delivery, timely doorbell ring and the lack of a postal worker backing out of the driveway).
Excuse the wild-eyed, crazy-haired gremlins. They were far too excited for their beauty regimen once they realized a reunion was eminent. Also, it’s been a hundred degrees in Alabama (for the love) and we’re still wearing summer jammies.
Tucked inside a box filled with tinsel was our elf, a note tied up in ribbon and two wrapped gifts. Since I have the privilege of being able to touch Scout (when necessary), I perched him in the tree while Ella read the note aloud.
In perhaps the coolest December first twist ever, he came armed with a kid-friendly advent calendar for each of the girls. Sophie’s was filled with Legos and Ella got a Barbie themed one full of girly makeup and accessories (it was a tiny bit young for her, but 9 is yard, ya’ll).
I decided not to share daily elf antics on Instagram this year (you’re welcome), but I thought I’d share some photos from some of our favorite elf escapades. He moved (almost) every day and was met with a few very challenging questions!
Hanging out in the kitchen, snacking on Schoolhouse cookies? Yes, please!
He had a little scissor mishap and came armed with his own bandages.
Building towers out of blocks and answering all of Sophie’s questions.
Watching Netflix and running down the battery on our iPad.
When all else fails, let the elf pick out your kids’ clothes. There were zero complaints that morning!
Reading a timeless classic.
Just hanging around.
Even Scout liked our printable gift tags!
New coloring books for all.
Scout got into our adult cookie and soda stash!
He brought new pajamas for Polar Express Day at school.
Playing hide-and-go-seek with Mary and Joseph.
Making a huge mess in my wrapping supply drawer.
He hid in our room one day and the kids had the hardest time finding him!
Taking a quick siesta with the American Girl fleet.
Three cheers for Star Wars surprises (and an iPhone snap because I was in a hurry this morning)!!
My kids are always devastated on Christmas Eve when we have to say goodbye for a whole year, but it was fun while it lasted. Thankfully, we didn’t have any tragedies, messes or drama where our elf was concerned, so I think we’ll invite him back next year.
