Tinsley The Elf

Tinsley in his nightly resting place before bed

Tinsley emptied the kitchen cabinets last night

Adam and Derek pose with Tinsley after they found his hiding place

I think it was a couple years ago when Derek first mentioned how other kids in his class had an "elf" that visited their house from time to time. Each kid's elf did unique things, but the common theme seemed to be that the elf was mischievous and would do things like re-arrange the furniture during the night.

This year an elf showed up at our house. His name is Tinsley and he's an "ornament maker". The first night he left ornaments for the kids and left a note saying that he was still busy helping Santa get ready for Christmas, but would be available to "play" soon.

When Tinsley was finished with his elf duties he started showing up each night to "play". Each night the kids leave out crackers and water and sprinkle Tinsley with "magic snow flakes". Tinsley has organized all the other stuffed animals around the Christmas tree, built a tent in the family room, played board games, and emptied the kitchen cupboards.

The kids can't wait to come down and see what Tinsley has done each morning. Then they have to find Tinsley because he hides each night. Derek has been even more excited about Tinsley than Adam.