This year Alan is understanding the Christmas holiday for the first time.  He’s been learning about it in school, and he understands that Santa will leave him gifts under his Christmas tree if he’s a good boy.  He has been so excited to open presents and has been asking every day if it’s Christmas yet.  Today Alan was so excited to finally get to open presents with Tyler and Carleigh!  He also enjoyed seeing both of his uncles while they were on holiday leave from the marines/army.

We also started a new “Elf on the Shelf” tradition this year.  Alan named his elf “Elfie.”  Elfie watches Alan from a different spot every day and reports back to Santa on whether or not Alan has been good that day.  Alan loves to check first thing every morning where Elfie has moved to…just as long as I go to look with him.