nightly battle

Fritz' rebellion of choice at the moment is over food.  What to eat, when to eat...mostly what NOT to eat and when NOT to eat.  He threw such an animated fit about it the other night he flung himself off the picnic bench and fell flat on his face.  First nose bleed...check.  

visiting Santa

Visiting Santa each year is such a funny experience.  It really is a snap shot of kids' development and personality.  Timid, silly, thoughtful, camera shy...all in the span of a few minutes of snap shots.  Santa in Bend was really fantastic.  Compared to the over an hour wait last year in Portland, here we waited behind one family.  And when there is no line out the door, Santa talks to your kids for at least ten minutes.  Santa in Bend was also completely versed on the 'Elf on a Shelf' and didn't miss a beat, saying he'd seen our elf each night and making sure that the boys weren't touching him!  Impressive.  

Chatting up the big guy.

Nervous Fritzi.  Fritz' list (in a tiny whisper): a watch.

 Walter's list: a pogo stick, a walking stick, a hiking stick.  No idea where he get's this stuff.  You can almost see the thought bubble above his head..."what other kinds of sticks could I ask for..."

This is what the adults want when they say "big smiles", right?  

 Warming up.

All three:  "Ummmm.  Ok.  I think we're done here."

Just look at Santa.  Oh my goodness.  

Elfsky

 Look who showed up at our house today!  Santa has sent one of his scout elves to see just who is being naughty and nice in the Petkun home.  As per Santa's instructions, Wally and Fritz have named our magic little elf.  He is called "Elfsky" (Pronounced Elf-ski because he loves snow and based on the spelling I guess he is Russian!)  Hopefully Elfsky's watchful eye and magic powers will keep us in good behavior for the month of December!  Read more about "The Elf on the Shelf" here.