Leaving on a jet plane

Mind if we bring our cat? She can fit in the overhead bin. (almost)

Remembering Mary

As a rule, elves don't really like old people except for Santa.  But this old lady was pretty great.  We miss her.

Subtle Christmas

Some pictures have the Christmas spirit in them without even trying.

Monday Mishmash

I know how much you love your grandkids so here is a sampling of pictures to brighten your Monday!

Zachary displays his giant pinecone find

One of these "things" is not like the other

It's good to be prepared for whatever gifts may come your way

GQ Matt

GQ Rebekkah

Fun with Uncle Geckin/Tebbin

Disgracing Santa's Hat

This elf had a long day in the workshop so I'm going to keep this short and sweet.  I came across this picture of Jodie that I thought may give you a chuckle.  Kind of creeps me out if I look at her too long. I bet she hoped that no one would ever see this picture again. Woops. Until next time...

"Special" Delivery (if you know what I mean)

So this cracker jack is going to be showing up on your doorstep in about 5 days:

 He is what you humans like to call a "defect" so I got a good deal on him.  As you can see his legs are pretty skinny and his arm doesn't lay flat at his side.  He isn't very good with a tape measure, but the good news is he will take payment for household projects in the form of Christmas cookies! I have asked him to put on a big red bow for his arrival, but don't hold your breath. So far I haven't even been able to get him to take a shower.  Bubbles said he hopes I kept the receipt for him. 

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear

So I was in the bar last night having a cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows (that's what we elves call a "double") and I met an elf who used to work for you.  Bubbles...you remember him?  Yeah, well he said he had a gig at your house with these "elf bags" that you would put on your girls' doors and he was assigned to put a little treat in them for the girls to find in the morning.  Well that sounds like a pretty sweet deal-- they got presents before AND on Christmas?! (not to mention the job security for us elves)  I don't know if your girls ever mentioned anything specifically, but they told Bubbles they really appreciated all the great Christmas traditions you and Eddie (is that really his name?) created for them.  They have many many happy memories.

But I do have to put you on the naughty list for one thing. Bubbles also said one year when Jodie was home from college and out with her friends that you put a mechanical slow moving Santa in her bedroom while she was gone. It really scared the candy canes out of her when she found it in the dark, moving slowly, with a candle.  You really shouldn't use Santa for evil, but I will let this one slide.

A more recent tradition you have is to put up MooMoo in the backyard. All the kids and grandkids love this one. So to end this little diddy for today, I will post an especially sweet picture of one of many traditions. Until next time.


                                                   

Bean-O

So I hear you have your first chemo treatment today. I don't know what that is, but it doesn't sound like sugarplums and snow angels. Since it rhymes with Bean-O though, I am going to go with that. Oh wait, hold on a second....oh ok....my elf friend Ting Tang explained it to me. Ok....well I found this picture of a friend and I wondered if this is how they will administer your chemo.  I hope you look better than this guy when you're done.  Either way I know you will do great because you're one strong non-elf.  I have to get back to testing Jack-in-the-Boxes now-- man those things scare the skittles out of me.  Until next time.

PS I hope you don't mind but I made a few changes to your template. It just wasn't "Christmasy" enough.

Post Secret Elf

Hello There.  This is the secret elf blogger.  I noticed you haven't posted in a while and that is too bad. I certainly hope you haven't lost your blogging spirit, but I would understand considering the past few months.  Sometimes life sucks. I mean really sucks.  (sorry I know elves shouldn't curse)  But you can't let it break you down. I thought to get you back in the posting spirit I would help you get started.  I know how much you love babies so here is a cute one (kind of fat though, it reminds me of Santa). :)  Until next time...  

Mainers

The Simmons family with Slugger before the SeaDogs game.

An impromptu lunch on the Adirondack chairs in front of LL Bean 

Paul Bunyan hanging out in Bangor

A little lobster anatomy lesson given by Kristen.  This little guy was a boy.

Goose Rocks Beach with the sweet little Simmons girls

Ava and Ellie

Papa with Ava and Ellie

Playing in the wet sand as the tide goes out

Ellie digs for clams

Ava, Kristen and Ellie jump in the really cold waves while those of us from Arizona look on.

Bald Eagle

I spotted this eagle on a tree in front of the house we stayed in on Campobello Island.  I don't think I have ever seen an eagle in person before.  Unfortunately I missed the shot when he spread his wings and flew away.  This was a very large bird but I think the mosquitoes were a little larger.

Fish on a Pole

This sculpture was in the town of Lubec, Maine.  I love the fish and the little buildings in the background.  Campobello Island in Canada can be seen beyond the buildings. 

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Summer home of the Roosevelts

See-Saw played on by the Roosevelt children

The flowers at the park were beautiful.  I especially liked this shot of the bee on the Dahlia

Pink Hollyhocks

Yellow Hollyhocks

Favorite picture taken of the flowers with ocean in background

Another ocean view from behind the flowers. (more ocean less flowers)

Random Boston

Zachary shows off his tribute to Abby sitting on Mom's lap on the front porch.

Breakfast at Panera Bread with the Campbell kids

Rebekkah with her Build a Bear puppy

Rebekkah and Zachary build a fort on the back porch

Zach chills on the front porch and talks to cousins on the phone

A neighborhood water balloon fight

Zach and Rebekkah show me how they can hang upside down and gargle

If I cross my legs will my shoes be on the right feet?

Rebekkah and I take a walk to the neighborhood park

Papa and the Campbell kids at dinner in Boston

The Lighthouses

This was the first part of the hike to the lighthouse on Campobello Island. 

On the bridge on the way to the lighthouse.

The slick and rocky part

It ended up being a kind of treacherous hike but well worth it in the end.

The two pictures below are of the Quoddy Lighthouse which is on the American side in Maine.