Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 17

Let the holiday baking commence! T couldn't believe Eli was on my mixer! She thought he was going to be covered with dough! So much fun! Plus, this location meant no baking for me today! Bonus!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 18

I am really proud of Hubby for this one!  He had mentioned wanting Eli to go fishing, but we didn't quite know how to stage it. I fell asleep with Mad Man so it was all on Hubby, and he came through! This scene looks great!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 19

Hubby had to take care of Eli's location again. I like this one. Kiddos liked it too. Eli in the kitchen with some of their cups, "drinking" some liquid delight!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 20

Last night T Bear wanted to leave Eli a treat. So sweet. She left out some Hershey Kisses and a little cake. For this spot I had to make sure Eli was appreciative. So, he wrote a little note and was planted on top of the wrapping paper. T loved the note!  Success!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 21

This is a must every year. Hubby hates these big Christmas balls that I hang; I adore them. Apparently, Eli loves them too! T said she knew he would be on one!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 22

Eli is really getting into the toys now! T couldn't believed he had strapped himself in! M thought it was hilarious (plus, he was able to spot him first this time!). 

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 26

This was our last day with Eli this year. I feel sad. I had the kiddos say good bye to him and wish him a great year. To think that the next time they see him they will be a year older is sad to me. Rationally, I know I cannot keep them babies forever, but I wish I could. I wish I could bottle up their innocence and the sweet way they talk to this little elf doll. I wish I could make them believe in the magic of the season forever. I was watching The Polar Express with the kiddos the other day, and realized I relate to the main character. I still believe in the magic of Christmas and want to instill that belief in my kiddos. Hopefully I am. 

For Eli's last location I really stumped the kiddos. I put him in Sophia the First's castle. It is near out pellet stove and the kiddos really had a hard time finding him. Mad thought he already flew back to the North Pole! With a little help they found him. Another successful year. I really love this time of the year. 

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 23

I love this one! Eli needed some fun in his life so I set him up playing Old Maid with a few of his friends! Both kiddos thought this was funny!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 24

Who wouldn't want to cuddle up with their holiday stuffed animals? Eli looked super snuggly "reading" a book to his new friends. The kiddos had a really hard time finding him today!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 25

I'm such a sap. I became very sad today when I realized that there were only couple of opportunities to hide Eli this year. Seriously, this holiday season is makings so emotional! I decided that it was time to trust the kiddos and place Eli in a reachable location. Not only did I place him low enough for them to reach, but he was in their playroom where they are often unsupervised. I'm really stepping out of my comfort zone on this one! He needed some boy time...enter Aladdin, Prince Naveen, and the Beast (sans Beast wardrobe). 

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 11

I try to have Eli move around the main level of the house, and I will admit that I'm running out of ideas! I'm still afraid Ma Man will touch him if he is in reaching distance, so that greatly limits my options. T Bear liked this one because she found him first (as she ALWAYS does), an said "Mommy, you're not going to like this. Eli moved your decoration!"  Too funny!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 10

Eli was ready to take flight this morning. T got a kick out of this one, especially since it took her a little while to find him. He was in the office, or as Mad Man calls it "Daddy's Office". 

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 9

This one took a little thought. I knew I wanted to attach Eli to this little holiday parachute toy, but I wasn't sure how to rig him perfectly. He wasn't very easy to position, but it worked...more or less. Of course, because he was hanging so low, on one of my many clean up sessions my hair brushed him and moved him! T saw the whole thing and accused me of touching him! She was shocked. I explained that I thought I would be fine since I didn't really touch him skin to skin and that hair probably didn't count! She believed me after many additional questions! There sure is a lot to this thing! Who I am trying to fool? I love every second of it!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 8

Hubby was back on duty since T and I got home so late from NYC and both kiddos wanted snuggle time with Mommy. Shocking where he placed him...

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 7

This was an easy one because T Bear and I had an early morning departure for NYC to see the Rockettes. I simply placed Eli in a somewhat conspicuous spot and called it a day! I didn't take a picture - rushing too much to get out the door by 5:30 AM!! He was sitting in the bathroom on top of a little snowman that holds hand towels. Even in Ts sleepy state she spotted him before we left!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 6

Hubby had to ensure Eli's next location, since Mad Man is still not sleeping well! Poor little stuffy man. I love it that Hubby has to ask me for ideas of where to place him! He decided on our Disney inspired play room high on the shelf: kiddos were stumped! Good job, Hubby!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 5

This morning was a close call!  Mad Man is still not sleeping well, so I fell asleep with him before moving the Elf. When I woke up, I jumped right in the shower. I suddenly remembered that Eli hadn't been moved when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs - Mad Man. Then I heard more footsteps - T Bear! Shoot! I quickly finished my shower, and rushed out to turn off the living room lights. T wanted to search for Eli, but luckily I was able to convince her to go back to sleep! No such luck with M! I kept the lights off, scooped him up in my arms laying his head on my right shoulder. Slyly, I strolled through the dining room and grabbed Eli with my left hand, keeping M's head down the whole time. I told M we were just finding Mommy some clothes in the laundry room and I quickly placed Eli on the wreath hanger! Close one. Poor little guy was so tired it didn't phase him and he was unaware of my antics!

Our Elf on the Shelf 2014 Adventures: Day 4

Well, Mad Man hasn't been falling asleep easily which had made replacing Eli problematic! Hubby has had to step in. The kiddos are so excited to look for Eli each morning - it doesn't quite matter where he is!