Are you sure that Ellie is not the thief and then Lilly is just the one that gets busted with it? I have seen Gizmo get into stuff, steal something then conveniently drop it near Cici and then my husband get mad at Cici for having it. They are clever little ones who like to be the favorite
The only reason I think of it is since you say Ellie is a tattle tale she might be instigating it too
