The Elf

I hated Elf on the Shelf so we made up an elf that came randomly  and left little things. When they were really little, we'd do projects and arts mixed with little gifts. As they got older the crafts that were fun when they were 7 or 8 weren't as fun. We thought this year they wouldn't care if the Elf didn't show, but apparently they were all waiting for it. I guess it's a little easier this year since we are one child short, until the 19th. 

Yesterday the Elf left Gingerbread houses and today we watched the Grinch while putting them together.  

Super cute! It's the little things they used to love to do as kids that they grow out of that I miss the most. I miss my shopping buddies each week for groceries, or doing the little painting projects and making treats. I guess holding onto the Elf for a few more years will actually be nice. 

Thanksgiving Weekend

It's nice when school breaks come up, it means we get time with Cam and Cailey. They cook a lot at school, so when they come home, they will cook a meal that they tried out and liked. They did orange chicken and it was really good. 

We went to Twin for Thanksgiving and were at the Barnes. A lot of family showed up, we had around 40 I think. It was nice to have a big crowd. 

I didn't take many pictures, only a few of Buddy, the chunkiest dog there is.  

We came home and put up the tree. At the end of last season we tossed out other one and bought this one on sale. It was the first time opening the box and seeing it. I think it ended up being a nice one. 

I put out the sleighbells finally this year. I'm so worries about them getting ruined but think this case will help. My Grandma Arrington's dad Frank Stevens, he had a brother Nathan Stevens who bought these when he was a kid and they have been passed down. The sound they make is my favorite and each year when the kids were younger Grandpa Arrington would dress up like Santa and ring the bells outside our house. That would be the clue for the kids to go to bed so Santa can visit. 

I went with a co-worker to some of her families house and made a Christmas Wreath. It was attaching all the greenery and the decorations too. It was a lot of work, but I was fun to do, and I think turned out pretty good, considering I'm not very artistic.