Charlie

Charlie (our Elf on the Shelf) has been with us since late November.  He has gotten into a lot of trouble.  The kids love seeing what he's been up to the night before.  Here are his antics for 2012:

Charlie left tonight and this is the note he left the boys:

From the Desk of

Charlie
                                                                     

Ryan and Carter –

Last night while you slept, a little Christmas magic happened in your house.  I flew back to the North Pole for the last time and made my last report to Santa.  He got on his sleigh and headed around the world to spread Christmas cheer.  This morning when you woke, I am gone and presents are in your stockings.  I know there are presents because I have told Santa what good kids you are.  He did his best to find the perfect presents for all of you because he was really happy with how hard you tried to behave this year.  Work on listening to your Mom and Dad, okay?  Remember, Santa and I are watching you all year!

I loved being your elf this year and cannot wait to see you next year!

Merry Christmas, Ryan and Carter!

Love,

Charlie

Ryan's 8th Birthday Party

We had Ryan's 8th Birthday Party yesterday at Grand Slam.  There is no shortage of things to do there - unlimited laser tag, bumper cars, and miniature golf, plus batting cages, arcade games, bowling, inflatable bounce houses.  It is a kid's paradise (not so much for an adult - my head hurt by the time we left!)  The kids had fun and that is all that matters!!!

Bumper cars:

Laser tag:

 

Arcade:

Batting cages:

Carter and Zach:

Miniature golf:

So many {junky} trinkets, so little time:

Carter, Lukas, Josh, Ryan, Jimmy, and Zach:

After Grand Slam, we came back to our house for pizza, gift opening, cake, and ice cream:

Ryan and his football cake: 

Instagram Picture Share

Here are more Instagram pictures since I haven't been very good at carrying my camera with me lately:

Surprise 10th Anniversary Celebration at work:

Making gingerbread houses in Carter's classroom:

Grandpa and Grandma volunteered in Carter's class today:

Opening his birthday gifts at his favorite restaurant, Perkins!

Proof they can get along (at Ryan's Cub Scout Pack Meeting):

Enjoying a minute of peace late at night while the rest of the family slept:

Ryan's Sunday School program at church:

Carter's Sunday School program at church:

Mackey Christmas

In true typical fashion, there was a good old fashioned Minnesota snowstorm today.  We have about 12" and counting and we are expecting an additional 2-4" during the night tonight.  Evan's sister, Molly hosted Christmas (in Forest Lake) and we had less than half of the family at the Christmas, due to poor driving conditions.  We didn't do a gift exchange or take group photos, so I don't have any pictures of the events.  Ryan wanted to take pictures before we left, so here is our family: