Santa's Elf

Santa sent one of his Elves to live with us this Holiday season. He showed up the day after Thanksgiving along with a book (The Elf on the Shelf) which tells the boys what he is doing at our house. He finds a spot in our house and keeps an eye on the two of them and after they go to bed he "flies" to the North Pole to tell Santa if they have been good or bad and returns before they wake up in a new place.

Here are the places he chose to "hide".

Dec 24th -

Dec 23rd -

Dec 22nd - Riding the train under the tree

Dec 21st - Master Bathroom Shower

Dec 20th - Pantry

Dec 19th - In the Christmas Tree

Dec 18th - Living Room Ceiling Fan

Dec 17th - Living Room Watching Xmas Movies

Dec 16th - Master Bedroom Ceiling Fan

Dec 15th - Kitchen Clock

Dec 14th - Living Room on the TV


Dec 13th - In the Accord

Dec 12th - Refridgerator

Dec 11th - Laundry Room

Dec 10th - Fireplace mantel in a stocking


Dec 9th - Alex's closet hanging from his xmas lights


Dec 8th - Living Room windowsill eating candy


Dec 7th - Riding the camel on the nativity scene

Dec 6th - Back at home on the kitchen windowsill

Dec 6th in G&G H's tree

Dec 5th - Followed us to G&G H's house

Dec 5th - Kitchen glass vase


Dec 4th - Living room window

Dec 3rd - Kids bathroom light fixture

Dec 2nd - Kitchen wine rack

Dec 1st - Jack's room shelf

Nov 30th - Dining room light fixture


Nov 29th - Living room window valance

Nov 28th - Living room shelf

Polar Express

Sunday night Steve, the boys and I met our friend Mindi and Nathan at the National Railroad Museum to enjoy the Polar Express. This is our second year going (Alex's first) and as the previous year it was a blast. Jack has this wonderful memory (wonder where he gets that from?!) and for the past couple weeks he would tell Alex everything that happened last year when we went. FYI... you are suppose to wear your PJ's to the event.

When we got there and met up with the Pollens the boys wanted to get some Holiday Tattoos.



After the tattoos we walked around and inside some of the trains that were on the floor.


and of course took pictures in front of the xmas tree on one of the trains.

Nathan, Alex and Jack

The Van Nuland's

Then it was time for the Polar Express to be read to everyone. The boys sat in the front with a bunch of other kids.

The conductor came and talked the the kids before the story was read.

The first thing that happens when the event starts is that everyone gets a cup of Hot Chocolate. The boys were very excited about this part.

After the beverage the story began. The boys did a great job sitting and listening.

Then it was time to take a ride on the trains to the north pole. All three boys where scared that the train was going to leave without them and kept telling us to put their jackets on faster. So cute. :)

Once on the train we took a ten minute ride to the North Pole to see Santa! The boys wanted to sit next to each other so Mindi, Steve and myself had to SQUEEZED into our seat.

Alex is ready to hand his ticket to the conductor.

The conductor and Alex got along really well and kept joking around with each other. Very funny to watch.

Enjoying our ride.

Come on just look at dad and smile nicely.... geez!

Washing windows.

During the ride the everyone is handed a chocolate "Gold Coin" which they ate with delight.

Jack trying to open his very quickly.

Once we arrived at the North Pole we got into line to see SANTA! This is the first time Alex has seen Santa up close and personal and he loved it! Even went first.

"I want another fire truck, hungry hungry hippos and a leapster"

"Of course I have been an angel everyday... just don't ask my Mom or Dad."

"I want a real flying helicopter, leapster games and a TV in my room."

"Well Santa if I tell you "NO" does that mean you won't bring me presents??"

The night was a hit and I am 100% this will be a tradition for us as long as they continue the Polar Express.