Fred's antics...

For the two of you on the planet (!!) who don't know what Elf on the Shelf is:

The Elf on the Shelf® is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists. When a family adopts an elf and gives it a name, the elf receives its Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole each night to tell Santa Claus about all of the day's adventures. Each morning, the elf returns to its family and perches in a different place to watch the fun. Children love to wake up and race around the house looking for their elf each morning. 

There are two simple rules that every child knows when it comes to having an elf. First, an elf cannot be touched; Christmas magic is very fragile and if an elf is touched it may lose that magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole. Second, an elf cannot speak or move while anyone in the house is awake! An elf's job is to watch and listen. 

Elves typically appear in their families’ homes at the beginning of the holiday season (around Thanksgiving). On Christmas Eve, the elves return to the North Pole with Santa Claus--until next year! (http://www.elfontheshelf.com/content/about-us)

As I mentioned previously, I got Alex an Elf, "Fred." I didn't celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus growing up because my Mom thought it took away from the meaning of Christmas. I tend to agree. Also, it is a big lie that everyone tells to kids and the whole ethical issue with that really bothers me. Anyway, I'm not a parent, I'm an aunt, so lying for fun about Santa is totally OK. ;) Alex isn't home every night but when he is my sister dutifully stages Fred around the house which is 100% of the fun! People have gotten pretty creative with staging their elves and there are whole websites about it. (http://elfontheshelfideas.com/)

Alex and Fred playing Elf on the Shelf games online

Fred making a "snow" angel

Whoops- Fred got put in time out for those antics!

Fred is better than a lump of coal!

Fred cares about his dental hygiene, too! 

Another cool thing about the Elf on the Shelf is the whole website they've built. It will send your child emails and letters from Santa. There are games and movies to watch. It is pretty awesome!
Alex and I shared a favorite Fred placement: the toothbrush! Kylie said Alex laughed for 5 minutes about it and so did I. Good work, Kylie. I hope you're both enjoying it as much as I am from miles away! Love you!