Christmas Morning

Yea, I know it's "only" December 24th, but it is TO Christmas!! 

or at least it was for my family . . . .

Austin's finally at that age where he is starting to "get" Santa and Christmas.  Yes, we are teaching him about the true meaning of CHRISTmas and about baby Jesus - he even says, "Happy Birthday Jesus" - so don't think it's all "Santa".  :wink wink:  Austin was acting like a 'terrible two' on Christmas "eve" so I believe I had to make a call to Santa once or twice for him to act properly.  Who knew that lil fib would work?!?!  Heck, as I'm typing this up now it still is working.  yes. . . Santa CAN make returns LOL!

Normally he wakes up bright and early - aka 6-6:30am and wanders into our room.  However that can't happen on Christmas morning because in order to do so you'd have to make way into the living room first and we didn't want him to see what Santa left until we were there!  So, sadly we put the baby gate up.  I say 'sadly' because Austin freaks out if you place the gate up - I think he believes it's some sort of prison!  Anyways, after waking up a few time during the night - again a new norm thanks to potty training!! - he was slow to wake.  Carolyn, Scott and I were all up and waiting on Austin.  WHAT A CHANGE!  However, when we asked if he wanted to see what Santa brought him - now THAT def. lit fire under him to get a move on!  He was hesistant and shy to enter the living room. . . . 

Yes, the sport-lovin' boy is sleeping in a jersey, thanks to an early Christmas present from Ammie

WHAT?!?!  Santa brought Austin D-R-U-M-S!?!?!?! 

OH WOW O WOW!!!! 

His Daddy was so proud of him - he was even doing the footpedal properly while playing! 

Classic Austin face. . . notice him balancing his sticks on his leg HA!

Austin was having a blast playing his drums.  Santa did amazingly well at predicting what Austin would enjoy.  However, about 20 min or so later when I asked Austin, "Austin, do you want to open more presents?" I got this reply: 

"WHA???!!  NO, I PAY DRUMS!"

"Austin, don't you want to see what else is under the tree?  There could be really cool presents for you.  Lets stop playing the drums and check it out"

Austin's reply: 

"Naaah, I PAY DRUMS!!!" 

"Oh Tay, Momma?" 

 HAHAHA  Funny boy! 

Finally we encouraged Austin to open a few more gifts.  He did get a new paper guitar from Ammie, which he promptly tried to play simutaneously with his drums!

Our son having the time of his life!  This is the best gift ever for Scott and I to receive!

Family Band. . . Which will NOT go on tour. 

A beautiful thing!

We did put the drum sticks away to see whatelse was under the tree:

Intense concentration: notice the tongue!  

The look of wonder!

After a fun and relaxing morning of gift opening, coffee (for the adults!) and cinnamon rolls - although Austin was too pumped up to eat HAHA! - we headed over to my parents for more Christmas fun.  We finally got dressed and ventured over around noon where my Brother, sister-in-law, neice, & nephew would also be.  Stay tuned!!!