Elf-ing

We decided to start a new Christmas tradition this year.  We have been working hard on reinforcing 'Acts of Service' in our home, something we feel is really important for our kids and something we have really let slide recently to be completely honest.  So Elf-ing fit in perfectly with this theme.  We had a baking day like we usually do, only instead of keeping all of the goodies we made, we gave them away to special people.  Those on our list were neighbors, friends of each of the kids, family friends and two girls that babysit for the kids that they love :)  

The measuring...

eating the chocolate chips out of the batter...

this pic was to show the remnants of her black eye....

Jamie & Tys baking

the kids made cards to send with each of the plates of goodies....

Baking list:  Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (allergy recipe! See recipe page), Many types of chocolate covered pretzels, Kisses cookies, Red Velvet / White Choc dipped cookies (allergy recipe!  See recipe page)   

Finished products!!!

 Then it was time for the best part!  We grabbed fresh coffee, packaged up these plates, attached a card and we were on our way Santa hats and all!  At each person's house we all unloaded from the van and left the cookies on the person's doorstep, rang the doorbell like crazy and then the kids all yelled "You've Been Elf-ed!"  Then we ran like crazy and tried to get away with out being caught.  The kids favorite part was trying to sneak away each time and of course ringing our poor friends doorbells over and over!  My favorite part?  The part where we kept getting caught and got to stay and visit at most houses for a few minutes, catch up quickly and say Merry Christmas.  Oh and watching how much fun the kids had....making memories for sure!