Elf on the Shelf

My girls LOVED this little tradition this year. "Zoey" showed up on our doorstep one night after the girls had just had a ridiculous arguing session over who was going to turn off the light. I tell you what, Zoey sure worked her magic because after the elf story was read, the girls were over the top kind to one another. There was never a struggle to get them to bed during the holiday because they were so excited to wake up and see where their little elf would be hiding.

This was a favorite spot. Apparently Zoey had found a small apron and made a parachute and decided to fly all around the house during the night. She must have gotten caught on the fan.

Another favorite was her face plant in the fudge.

You see, part of the elf magic is that you can't touch her, however on Christmas day at our house, you can! Out of all of Sam's presents, Zoey was the toy of choice on Christmas. While the other grandkids were toting around their new American girl dolls, guitars, ipod's, etc, little Sam was toting around her elf. The way it works at our house is that on Christmas night, we set the elf under the tree and then when we all go to bed, she will fly back home to Santa until next Christmas season. Now, the only issue we had with Zoey was when it was time for her to go back to the North Pole. Poor Sam was beside herself! It was all Rod and I could do to keep a straight face through all this. We finally consoled the poor kid with the idea that maybe Zoey would come back and see her on her birthday.

Well, today is Samantha's 5th birthday.

Zoey showed up.

This was Sam's reaction.

Hallie points to the spot where Zoey is sitting.

This is what Sam sees.

This is how she feels about it.

...and all is right in the world for this little 5 year old....

But man, is this girl on a mission or what!