Day 26 - hanging out

We just hung these, so of course Ralphie had to check these

Day 25 - Dec 18th - having a ball!

Day 24 - Dec 17th - Christmas gardens

Somehow in the dark early morning, the boys spotted Ralphie on the back porch and they dove right into the snow garden kits he gave them.

They noticed that he still had a few bandaids left from the tragic accident the other day. 

Mommy finally got around to making her Christmas fairy garden too!

Day 23 - Dec 16 - He came back

After yesterday’s tragic incident, the boys were worried that Ralphie wouldn’t come back today. We tried to reassure them that we did everything we could to help him out. We had a sleepover stay at Lake Lanier Islands, breakfast with Santa and a basketball game, so we didn’t get home until noon. The boys rushed inside to see if Ralphie came back. Tyler was excited to see that Ralphie at some candy canes and then he saw Ralphie up on the shelf, covered in bandages. 

They knew that yesterday was rough for Ralphie, but they sure were happy he was home.

Day 22 - Dec 15th - “elfie!”

Ralphie had fun taking selfies all night and posting them into ALL of our electronics!

The boys were happy to have Ralphie’s picture on “their phones”. They even picked up on the green chair in the background of the pics.

It was a fun day and we were about to head out to a fun night at Lake Lanier Islands when IT happened. Daddy sat on Ralphie!!  Oh no!!! The boys were devastated! Both of them sobbing hysterically! “Daddy ruined Ralphie!” 

It took lots of reassurance and persuasion to get us to move on after that. Daddy typed up a note explaining it was an accident and saying he was sorry. Tyler collected candy canes to leave for Ralphie. Both boys left the house with pictures that they had of Ralphie so that he knew they were thinking of him all night long. IT was truly traumatic. 

Fortunately, a little candy from daddy and a Ferris wheel ride took their mind off poor Ralphie. 

Day 21 - Dec 14th - peeking through

Day 20 - Dec 13 - directed drawings

So the boys discovered a “new” line of YouTube videos and have spent hours this week doing directed drawings. Basically, a guy who tells you step by step how to draw something. Ralphie did a directed drawing of himself and totally impressed the boys!

But Ralphie has been brave and stays within reach on many days. While reading a book along with the computer, Tyler accidentally bumped Ralphie (with the book). Uh oh! Ralphie toppled over!



Tyler snuck off to the bathroom where he was crying and so truly very sorry.

Ralphie knee it was an accident, so he just moved up a little higher 😉 Tyler raced off the bus to see what had happened to Ralphie while he was at school. He was really bothered by it all day! That’s some good belief!

Day 19 - Dec 12 - building, playing

These plus-plus things are pretty cool! Jason got some from his surgery goodies and Ralphie gave us some ideas- Christmasy of course!

Day 18 - Dec 11 - it’s Monday

Ralphie was thinking like Mommy and wanted his morning cup of joe!

Jason said that Ralphie’s cup was the perfect size for his own hot cocoa (Jason never drinks more than a sip!). Ralphie left the cup for us the next morning.

Day 17 - Dec 10th - elf on a shelf

The boys don’t really care what Ralphie is doing, but the competition to find him in the mornings is crazy! Tyler’s winning by a lot, but he sneaks out during the night to look around while Jason soundly sleeps! 

Day 16 - Dec 9th - North Pole in GA

Ralphie stayed outside to enjoy the snow day with us!

We had a blast, but it was a very wet cold day!!

Day 15 - Dec 8 - balls of fun

Jason found him!

Day 14 - Dec 7 - here, but not here

After yesterday’s behavior and the teasingly close call of a finger touch, Ralphie decided to keep his distance. He left a message for them to “shape up” and hid completely out of view. Only good behavior would bring him back.

Tyler was confused and bummed about not finding Ralphie. Besides one little espisode after school, the boys were pretty good. I may have gone the whole day without hearing the word “poop”! Ralphie peeked out of his hiding spot. Tyler was so excited, jumping up and down, when he saw the elf. I wish I had recorded him. Ralphie really does bring happiness!

Day 13 - Dec 6th - impressive

Christmas words spread lot of cheer as the boys read them all and figured out what Ralphie did. Jason said “That’s pretty impressive” 

The boys did not have their best day. Ralphie saw tears, heard screaming and lots of bathroom words, and noted the disrespect to mommy. He may have even been touched! 

Day 12 - Dec 5 - toilet trouble

Ralphie found a potty just his size! Tyler said “what if I flush? Water might get on Ralphie”. 

The next day, we saw Ralphie’s surprise. Now it’s time to flush!

Day 11 - Dec 4th, Monday - The hardest hiding spot yet

The boys searched all morning for Ralphie! I had them convinced that maybe he was running late and hadn’t made it back from the North Pole yet. I assured them that I would keep an eye out for him during the day...we had to leave the house for school! Just at the last minute, Jason stopped in mid-sentence and shouted “Ralphie!”. Whew! 

When the boys got home from school, there was a package on the front porch...from the North Pole! It had Mommy’s name on it, but the boys convinced me to open it. 

I’m glad I did! I got a video camera and a naughty button that dial in to the North Pole. Yay! I’ve been asking for a Santa cam for a while now!

Day 10 - Dec 3 -

Ralphie was watching a slideshow of photos from previous Christmases. Mommy slept in, but Tyler was quick to announce that he found Ralphie first!

(Backup) (Backup) Day 9 - Dec 2 - we’re playing basketball

Last night was extra busy for Ralphie...Jason lost a tooth and Ralphie saved the tooth fairy a trip. 

And he knew that the boys were about to have their first basketball game. He had little b-ball stockings laying out with their uniforms. He was sneaky and quiet in their room, but when Ty woke up (at 5:30, there was no way he was going back to sleep!

Day 8 - Dec 1 - elf behind a frame

Tyler admitted that he snuck downstairs during the night to look for Ralphie. But even so, Jason found Ralphie first!

Little do they know, he’ll still be there the next morning...kind of!