Elf on the Shelf... aka, Braekel

 A few years back I went on a search for a few Elves.

 Do you remember? 

No, well look here. 

So, Dana remembered to tell their Elf, (his name is Braekel), that they would be gone on Thanksgiving night. She also left direction as to just where his family would be.
Lo and behold, Friday morning who was spotted sitting on the shelf above the fridge?

Yep...Braekel!

I think he loved the fresh mountain air 

and warm sun....

...and hanging out with his Gnome buddies. 

He was very busy! 

Secretly flying here and there without anyone seeing him.

After dark he was spotted checking out the temperature. 

It was still warmer than the North Pole!

I don't think he knows this train never leaves the station...

however, it is 

"On a Shelf" 

On Friday night the kids got their blankets and pillows out and made themselves cozy. 

Elf on the Shelf was going to be on TV!

Kelsea let out the cutest squeal/giggle when she spotted Braekel watching all his friends on TV.

We all had a great time visiting my parents beautiful home. This is what the back side of the house looks like.

Saturday morning it was time for everyone to load up the cars for the drive home. 

 Perhaps Braekel was tired from all his activities. 

He decided to ride home with his family, 

he NEVER fly's long distance in the daylight!

My Camera Was Hijacked!

 I think Laci took most of the above pictures of the boys.

I tried to get them both to smile at the same time.

 Nope, ain't gonna happen today!

What?

 Lookie me

                                                                   

That's better...

\

Bribery works every time!

 Kelsea calls this her angry face. I caught her at the big mirror holding her breath until she was very red. When I asked her what she was doing she said she was making her angry face.
Silly girl!

Dana and Jerry

 Camden

Mackenzi

Mackenzi hiding from the paparazzi,
Kelsea doesn't care if her picture is taken.

Look at those eyes, at least she isn't angry any more!

Black Friday Boutiquing

Friday we decided to leave the kids with their dad's and have a girls day of shopping. Camden came with us because the guys were taking the bigger kids out to lunch and then to a movie. My dad and Jerry had a little peace and quiet for a few hours while we were all out.

Our first stop...Chocolate Soup

I love this quaint little boutique.

 The grounds and out buildings are almost as fun as inside the store.

I love all the shades of fall!

Inside the store is delightful too.

This cat was keeping warm by the fire

 Dana and Camden on the landing in the stairwell. I love this window looking out to the parking lot.

Just beautiful!

We went inside almost all the stores, and inside one of them I spotted these beauties. 

They were screaming my mother's name. 

She 

SO 

would have made these if she was still with us!

She is so sassy!

I just love these little old towns. So much to see and enjoy!

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

This year we, along with both of our daughters families, traveled to my parents house for the long weekend. We totaled eight adults, six kids, and 4 dogs. The kids and the dogs had a great time exploring on the their 5 acres of land. When we pulled into the driveway there were 3 deer grazing in the grass. All the kids got to see them!

Pictures of the feast!

Our last Thanksgiving in the mountains I made a tablecloth, table runner and napkins. These are some of the napkins. I used iron on art work my nieces made at school.

Thanks Dad and Kackie for letting us barge in for the weekend!