Well, it’s officially winter here. And it’s currently 4 degrees but feels something like 15 below. Like there’s a difference between the two.
Yesterday, as is custom, we gathered with my dad’s extended family for food and a Dirty Santa gift exchange for the adults, and Santa gifts for the kids. The same Santa has been coming to see us at this get-together since I was a kid! Here are the boys with him (Luke and Bennett are together in the picture because Santa brought them a joint gift this year…except, what the heck, Amazon? I bought this toy a month ago for $23.99 plus free shipping?!?).
And here are the boys with my Grandma…
Jack's always a willing participant for pictures. Sheesh.
and just when Jack's looking slightly less pained, Bennett puts on this face. Ugh.
Bennett’s really becoming Jack Henry’s buddy lately. He wants to help him all the time, and of all things, he wants to hold him. There isn’t even a ten pound weight difference between the two, so that’s not really a great idea. Especially because Bennett sometimes wants to hold him while he’s standing up.
Please pardon the Rico Suave look...though he's done with occupational therapy, he has issues with collared shirts.
Best buddies! For the moment, at least.
*****
Now, onto the “parental manipulation” mentioned in the title…
Last Christmas, Nana Jo bought us The Elf on the Shelf. If you aren’t familiar, a little elf comes to live at your house between Thanksgiving and Christmas (or if you’re me, he shows up around December 7th when you say, “Oh crap, where’s that elf?”) and he flies to Santa every night to report on kids’ behavior. Then he shows up in a different spot in your house. If the mom remembers to move him. Per the instructions in the book, we named him, and chose the name JoJo since Nana Jo sent him to us.
Well, last week Bennett started jumping on his bed. It really hadn’t been a problem until then, and I mentioned that JoJo was probably going to tell Santa about it. Bennett said something to the effect of, “JoJo can’t see me doing this. He won’t tell Santa.”
So, the next morning, on a piece of wrapping paper that will match the Santa wrapping paper, JoJo held this note:
Hi Boys!
I just wanted you to know that JoJo has been telling me all about you! It sounds like you are pretty good boys and that you play nicely together most of the time.
I have a couple of fun presents for you on Christmas if you keep being good.
Please have cookies for me and food for Rudolph!
Love,
SantaP.S. Bennett – no more jumping on your bed. I mean it.
I probably don’t have to tell you that the look on his face when I read this to him was priceless.
Filed under: bennett, brotherly love, holidays, jack henry, luke, parenting, pictures
I love the elf idea – that’s brilliant! I may have to use that one next year, unless I can come up with a Spring elf idea. I’ll work on that one. Love the pictures too.
that is absolutely awesome!!!!
that elf is a cute idea.
i had to call santa a few weeks ago when kenny’s whining was at an all time high.
Someone was just telling me about this elf the other day. Will definitely be looking into that for next year. LOVE the letter! Hilarious!
Looks like you got a great deal from amazon too
I have to get one of these. It shows Toy Tyme at the Galleria carries them. I’m always looking for traditions.
So great that Bennett wants to be Jack Henry’s buddy! That’s a good thing!
And just picturing the look on Bennett’s face when you read that letter made me laugh. Perfect!
The Santa letter–what a hoot!! That was truly inspired!
Such a good pic of the 2 big boys w/ Santa . . . and then poor Jack Henry!
Good work, Mom!
This was SO funny. I especially loved the “I mean it.” part of Santa’s letter. Sounds like Santa had a mom, too. Enjoy the manipulation while it lasts. It’s not long before they are one step ahead! With three of them, you will definitely have your hands full!! Hope you and yours had a beautiful Christmas. Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year.