Elf on the Shelf

We've had a lot of fun with our Elf on the Shelf so far.  I must say that Brodie's behavior has been much better since Chopstick has been keeping an eye on him.  He is very helpful and keeps trying to remind Isaac that Chopstick is going to report his behavior to Santa each night.  Isaac doesn't really care.  Brodie tried telling him that he was going to get coal in his stocking and then Brodie remembered that Isaac liked coal trains and would probably like the coal.  He then told Isaac that Santa would put rocks in his stocking, but then remembered that Isaac likes rocks.  Brodie's not really sure what Santa will put in his stocking if his behavior doesn't improve :)

It's begginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The 'Elf on the Shelf' and the Christmas tree have arrived, so it is officially Christmas time in the Luksan house!  I am so excited because we have a real tree this year and it smells so good in the house! 

Isaac helping Daddy get ready for the tree

"Chopstick" helping to decorate the tree

Isaac putting on the first decoration

Brodie put on the top decorations (using his tiger)

The boys decorated the entire tree!

And...since there is never a dull moment, Isaac somehow got a cut above his eye when I was in the bathroom, but a sucker from Grandpa and Grandma and a phone call from Daddy made it feel better!

Oh what a week!

We have had a fun packed week with a little stress squished in the middle :).  We went to Denver for Brodie's endoscopy.  Mom was an emotional wreck until Brodie was all done, but Brodie was very brave and did a fantastic job.

Brave and ready to get started

Checking out all of his attachments after the scope

Trying to smile even with the tube in

Yeah - the tube is out and life is good!

We also went on a Santa train while we were in Colorado and visited a restaurant Abel and I went to a long, long time ago :) 

Getting Christmas cookies from Mrs Claus

Getting a bell

Isaac loved the candy cane

View from the train window

The next group of kids on the train with Santa

If you look close, you can see Santa and Mrs. Claus waving outside the train

Ten years and two kids later, we returned. 

We then hurried home so we could get ready for the Bumans' and Hains' to come for Thanksgiving!   We had so much fun eating, playing, eating, watching football, and eating some more.

Ellie lost her first tooth!

Decorating Christmas cookies

Emma cutting flowers for the pumpkin vase center piece

Throwing balls up to the deck

Nice form Grandma!

Playing a little ball - maybe someone should set down the camera and catch the ball

Grandpa is getting a lot of help fixing the hole in the wall!

Emma may be getting more than she bargained for on this ride

The kids had fun helping Uncle Rob deflate the air beds

And we even got a family photo!

Now, we just have to get the Goekens' and Luksans' here: hint, hint :)

We haven't had too much excitement recently, but that is OK.  We all got the flu shot (Brodie actually got the flu mist, but you would have thought he was getting the shot :).  I had started to feel a little good about working out and thought I was starting to get a tiny bit of definition in my arms.  I pulled my shirt sleeve up to get my flu shot and the nurse says, 'I don't have to put the needle in very far; you have a tiny arm.'  So much for my big muscles :)
We continue to love the house.  There is just so much more room for the boys to hoarse around.  Last week, I found Isaac in his room lining up all his diapers and wipes from Costco into tracks - that boy loves his vehicles.  I am loving all of the sunsets/sunrises here also.  They are just gorgeous and remind me of what an awesome God we have!
Brodie had school pictures today, so we are excited to get them back!

Thanks for the picture Jodi!