Adventures of Mac, the Elf

Our Elf on the Shelf is named Mac. This was our fourth year with him.  The first year, he just kinda appeared in the Christmas tree, literally on a shelf sometimes, in the refrigerator... not too big of a deal.  Since the Elf on the Shelf became a HUGE trend, the ideas on the Internet are endless and we have gotten a little more creative with him.  

Last year was the first year Kate was REALLY into it.  Jack just wanted to touch the elf (which if you read the book, is a big no no).  This year, they both woke up every morning excited to go find Mac.  And let me tell you, Mac is a mischievous little fella. 

Here's a sampling of his antics this season.  

Making an elf grocery list

Chilling out in the refrigerator

Watching a movie with popcorn

Hanging out in the manger scene

Making a mess of the kids' Christmas tree

Wrapping the chandelier in tinsel

Being held hostage

Moving in on Mrs. Claus 

Wasting that toothpaste

Little car made out of candycanes and powdered donuts

Zip lining through the kitchen 

Drawing a self portrait

A friend sent me a cute poem written by another mom whose kids were having a hard time knowing their elf was leaving on Christmas Eve.  Our kids were SOOO good this year about not touching him (although Jack was dying to!).  So, we left them this poem from Mac to find before they went to bed on Christmas Eve.  

It said: 

Dear Kate & Jack.

I'm sad this is my last day with you

But on this last day I have a big surprise

So hold out your hands and close your eyes

You get to play with me today

and my magic will not go away

So hug me, squeeze me, love me tight

and snuggle with me in bed tonight

In the morning I'll be gone but don't shed a tear

I'm going back to the North Pole with Santa for the year

Next Christmas I'll fly back to see you again

Merry Christmas, I love you, from your favorite little friend.

Love, Mac

Oh my gosh, they were so excited!! 

Look at Jack's sweet face when he heard that they could sleep with him. 

And here they slept, together in Kate's bed on Christmas Eve, with our crazy Mac snuggled in between.  

Excited for more adventures next year, Mac!