Tis the Season

This year I caved to the Elf on the Shelf fever and introduced a little guy that was gifted to Reed last year from Uncle Allan and Aunt Lynette. Reed decided to name our Elf "Asparagus" and was okay with the nicknames "Gus" and "Guster" that Jon and I came up with. Our Elf moved from spot to spot each night, but he was not mischievous, he was very generous, and sometimes gave a hint to an activity we would be doing that day.

I wonder what inspired the name "Asparagus"???

Since we did the Elf on the Shelf thing I decided to not do the activity-a-day calendar I did last year. Basically if there was an activity I wanted to do I would try to do something with Guster to give a hint to Reed what might be going on: Reading Christmas books, playing one of Jon's guitars (Jon playing Christmas music), decorating Christmas trees, coloring Christmas pictures, getting a piggy back ride from our nutcracker, covered in wrapping paper (we wrapped presents), nestled in craft supplies (craft projects - luminaries and snowman bowling). Other Christmas activities we did included going to the Kingsburg Christmas Tree Lighting, Reed picking out a present for Kieran, baking, donating toys to Toys for Tots, watching a Holiday movie, and making a plate of cookies for Santa (including allergy friendly cookies to send to the North Pole for the elves).

Christmas Tree Lighting

Reed helped decorate the Christmas Tree

Asparagus likes to read as much as my boys!!!

Each kid (Dodger included) has their own tree with special ornaments 

I did manage to take a few more pictures during a couple of special events:


Asparagus in a tractor = Electrical Farm Equipment Parade

We were able to meet up with Grandpa (Grandma was out of town), Nonna, Pepe, C, Tio, Lyla, and our friends Shannon, Kevin, Clara, Laurie, Russell, and baby Bailey (who slept through the whole thing). 

 

 

 

Paper sack race = fitness competition with friends

Jon and his friend Mason did a two month fitness challenge that included a broad jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and weight loss. Mason did really well but Dad managed to capture the title!

 



What does Asparagus hiding behind our pizza peel mean? Well of course a pizza party at the Stoothoffs and walk around Cindy (aka Candy Cane) Lane.

 

Reed, Carver, and Parker having a dance party

Carver giving his cousin Henry a kiss (notice the laughter in the background)

Parker helping Kieran with his pacifier, Henry, Lyla, and Carver

Family shot

The Stoothoffs know how to do the Holidays!!!