The Christmas Pageant

A New Member of the Olson Family

His Name is Chippey. Chippey the Elf. He is our Elf on the Shelf. We got our Elf the day after Thanksgiving. We read the story and had to come up with a name. He was Elfie for a day or two. Then the television show premiered and he quickly took the name of the elf in the movie. So he adopted a new name. Chippey. The basic scoop behind Chippey is that he watches us and then uses Christmas Magic to fly back to Santa at night after we are sleeping. He reports to Santa if we have been naughty or nice. The boys need little reminding that Chippey is watching them. They tend to remind each other that Chippey can see you right now. Chippey can hear you Parker. Chippey is watching you not listen Emmitt. And so on. Early dawn, Chippey returns and picks a new spot to watch us from. The boys basically race out of bed to find Chippey first. Somedays it is very easy to spot him, other days we must search for him. One day he was in the basement waiting and watching for the boys to pick up their toys. Other days he is placed on shelves up high all over the house. He was in mommy and daddy's room for 2 nights to be sure a certain little boy stayed in his own bed. Today he was found strategically placed between the boys' school pictures to remind them, Chippey knows what happens at school too! The only rule is the Chippie must not be touched or he loses his magical powers. Well...this week Chippey was in the little tree in the boys' room and Emmitt (alledgedly) shook the tree, Chippey fell out and Parker put him back in the tree. The next day, Chippey left mommy a voicemail on her cell phone warning the boys to not touch Chippey again!!
I love Chippey!

Hunting Season 2011

This hunting season was fun! The kids are just a bit easier when we go down to the shack. We still manage to fit 4 in a row on a wheeler and they love everything about a dead deer hanging out of the back of their dads pick up truck!

And I mean everything. Yes those are 2 pics of my children holding deer legs. And my father in law in the background with half a carcass. They especially loved the hard tongue sticking out the side of the deers mouth. Ish! But here I was snapping away at pics of them holding deer legs that had been sawed off! And they smiled with pride that he is providing us with a freezer full of meat. Mmmm.

The first weekend we stayed home while dad hunted. Or should I say, while dad sat in his stand and saw nothing! We had friends over and made homemade pizza and hung out. The second weekend of the season was Parker's 6th Birthday party, so we were home Friday night...but we did go out and stay at the shack. Sunday morning our Griswold family of 4 hit the stand to experience "hunting" together.

Needless to say we scared all wild animals off in a 5 mile radius with our candy wrapper crumpling and fidgeting. We seriously were the loudest hunters in the woods. I can only hope that we drove the deer to someones stand for them to shoot.

Both kids came dangerously close to the heater, both argued over who was going to sit where and both kids ate their weight in Halloween candy! I officially don't need to see another Almond Joy until October 2012.

Bear did manage to get us deer. Our freezer is full and we are going to have great meals full of venison and canned vegetables to sustain us until next season. After not getting a deer the first weekend, I was a bit panicky about not having enough meat to feed these boys, but the hubs prevailed! Way to go, my mighty hunter!

My boy is 6

I never want to forget this face. The face of pure shock! You were so shocked the morning of your birthday. Momma scored a Ninetendo DS for you at a good price and totally surprised you. You had no idea you were getting one, I kept telling you that you were too young. But like I said, I got a good deal and you got a DS. You officially had to be set on a gaming timer. You would literally sit there all day and play if we let you. I am no longer ever going to wonder what you'll do in a car or any other long trip. The DS will babysit you. As much as I hate saying that, it's true.

Once I got you to put down the DS you went on to open the next present from us. And footie jammies still excite you too! You love them. You always have. And I believe you'll be the guy that sleeps in those giant ones with the trap door on the butt. Like Pa Ingalls.

The 3rd batch of werewolf cupcakes turned out even better. I did take the easy way out and cut off at 2 dozen for the party and plainly decorated the rest. We managed to shove 6 candles on one and as we sang to you, you did something you have never, ever done. You played shy or embarrassed and ducked under the table until we finished. I have no idea why. It's so not like you. But when we finished, you came up and blew out all your candles and the moment passed you.

You of course got way too many gifts. Lots and lots of people got you 6 one dollar bills in your card. It was significant in many ways.

Everybody enjoyed the cupcakes. Well the kids did for sure. All the kids loved the marshmallow and fruit by the foot nose. The adults questioned if the whole thing was actually edible.
Miss Shelby Lynn and Emmitt

Brooks' face is soooo hilarious is this pic! Like he can't quite get that crazy Auntie Becky gave him all that sugar! And Miss Gracie Lyn, cute as ever!

Daddy and messy Parker

Garret and Miss Jillian

Over all, it was a great party. It's hectic with all the people at times, but it's a great hectic. You never feel like you can talk to everybody, but they all talk to each other. It's become such a tradition. I had all the guests fill out their numerology and discuss with each other. You took the last 2 digits of the year you were born and how old you were or will be this year and when everybody compared answers it was 111. It was so awesome! The kids of course just came out to 11. But still. It was creepy and cool. We had a surprise visit from my Aunt and Uncle who haven't ventured this way in 10-20 years. That was special.
And to top it off, Parker got his new jersey for his purple hockey team and he chose number "11".