Elf on the Shelf

This year, Elf on the Shelf appeared at our house on Elliott Avenue for the first time.  J.P. was enthralled by the magic involved, what the Elf appearing each morning in a different spot than he had been in the night before when J.P. went to bed.  The second or third night of December, he named him "Teddy the Elf," although I think he changed the name once of twice prior to Christmas.

Several mornings, Jude overheard J.P. talking to "Teddy" when he found where he had landed to rest after his late night sojourn to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.  "Did you have a nice trip, Teddy?" J.P. asked.  "Did you see Santa Claus?"

A couple of nights (when Jude and I were very tired and sleepy), "Teddy" decided to stay in the same place two days in a row.  Although it took some explaining from us, Jude and I were able to convince J.P. that sometimes "Teddy" likes one place in the house so much he decides to return and rest there after his trip to the North Pole, two nights in a row.

"Teddy" the Elf and J.P. (2011).  Actually, that might be one of the best photos I've ever taken of J.P.  Definitely top 5.