Our new friend

Yesterday, the girls received their first Christmas gift this year from our good friends/grandparents Rich and Karen Porter in Minnesota. They got to open it already because it was specifically marked "open immediately."

As soon as they opened it, I had to smile, because this is the perfect gift for the girls, (especially Emma). I had seen it once before in a toy store and thought about buying it but didn't. The Elf on a Shelf has immediately become the coolest thing/person in our home.

The story behind this tradition that our friends have started for us is going to be one that will create many memories!!

The Elf on a shelf is actually a small elf that you will see below. It comes with a story book that explains his job. Basically the elf on a shelf is a watchdog for Santa. Our elf, which the girls have named "Porter" sat in Emma's room today and watched her, keeping track of the good/bad/ and the ugly. ;) Then, during the night, he returns to Santa and reports the activities for the day. The next morning, he flies back places himself :) somewhere else in the house to watch the girls. He sure is quick because he has already returned and is sitting on our mantel.

Emma has already been whispering in his ear (who knows what) and I even heard her say that she loves him. (kissing butt I think) He watched her do homework tonight and boy did she do a good job. (I LOVE Porter)

Rich and Karen, this is seriously the best gift for the girls and I'm enjoying the fact that he is watching them all the time. (works great) Emma did get a little sad though when I read the book and it said that he will leave us on the 26th and return sometime around Thanksgiving next year. She doesn't realize it yet but she will need a break from being monitored all the time.

Here is our new friend with the very excited girls and his new "perch."