Elf on the Shelf

Thanks to Pinterest (a lovely site that is now responsible for nearly all of our dinner recipes and a great many crafty ideas) I learned about the Elf on the Shelf.  There is a book and a movie, but I'm not sure which came first.  Basically, we adopt an elf, give him (or her) a name and the elf hangs out somewhere in your home during the day -keeping an eye on all the little ones around, and at night, fly's back to the North Pole (magic is involved, of course) to report on the the kids naughty or nice status.

I have decided that our elf will start visiting us after we are done celebrating Kate's birthday every year, so he doesn't get the earlier start that many other families have.  We read the book and chose a name for Family Home Evening this week.

When we asked Hyrum what our elf's name was, he replied, "Hmmm, I don't know, what is his name?" This was his answer several times.  He then started talking a bit of jibberish and something sounded like Hatter.  Justin and I looked at each other, and decided that was his name.  Hatter the Elf.  (Hey, it's better than some of the suggestions in the book, and we were convinced he would share a name with a certain number 1 engine).

So, Hatter has been sneaking in every morning and we've managed to get a few pictures of the sometimes strange places he likes to place himself...

 Day 1 -hiding out in the Christmas Tree

 Day 2 -Having himself a seat on the L from Lafeen

Day 3- This one was on top of the blinds on our french doors. 

Day 4- Trying to fit in with the Little People.