Quiet Elfie was a tradition we started when we were first married. It brought out kids endless amounts of joy.

And while it is a “kids” tradition, I’ve always been of the mindset that traditions don’t have age limits. They are just a part of your family identity. So we won’t put Quiet Elfie away until grandkids – we keep the tradition going all the way through.

In fact, this year, with two kids not making it home for the holidays, we decided that they each needed to have their own Quiet Elfie and start the tradition off for themselves this Christmas season.

Gabe and Shannon’s Quiet Elfie arrived in Houston just before December 1st, but I had to be a bit more creative with Zach’s. I knew getting anything to Zach for Christmas in Tahiti would be tough (still praying my package sent October 1st will arrive in time…) and I didn’t want to risk Quiet Elfie not arriving at all, so I packed him up and hid him in Zach’s suitcase when he left in August! At the end of November, I told Zach to go get the package and open it December 1st: (the little Nativity is a travel sized nativity his Dad got him for his mission)

Inside, was a Quiet Elfie wearing Tahitian clothing! lol

Zach was super happy to get him – and get a bit of home to start this Christmas season. He named him Elfie Silencieux, but then said he had been studying his Tahitian and so was now Elfie Muhu Muhu:

Rob challenged both Gabe and Zach to a little competition – who’s Quiet Elfie can be the most creative… a little international competition.

They can certainly be funny little elves. Here’s what they have been up to:

The American Quiet Elfie is a bit of a wild guy and loves his sweets:

Our Quiet Elfie was ticketing cars clearing the way for Santa:

More studying, eating too much candy, playing with dangerous toys, hiding and sightseeing:

Somehow, he ended up in the Vitamix!!

(He’s acting a bit strange – not sure if he realizes that it is non alcoholic cooking wine?!?!)

Hanging in Tahiti:

Josh’s sheep for his science project enjoyed watching him bowl:

Elfie Muhu Muhu is not in the best area apparently….

Zach had to rescue and comfort him. I think he also speaks English so it’s refreshing for Zach to be able to communicate with him in his own language:)

We are all trying to embrace Christ more this Christmas season; I think he’s a little too literal:

Waiting to see who is coming home for Christmas: