Santa

This year Austin really got it.  Santa was coming and he wanted to be on his best behavior so that he could get 3 new ninja turtles.  We used "Elfred" from Elf On The Shelf to hammer home the idea that Santa is always watching so you better be on your good behavior.  Whoever came up with the idea of Elf On The Shelf is a genius.  Needless to say both kids were obsessed with the Elf On The Shelf movie and I think we watched it about 100 times between November and December.  Landon loved the dance scene and was happy to dance and hum along.  Since Austin doesn't really understand time yet, we decided to start a countdown to Christmas this year.  He understood that when we got to the number 24 that Santa was going to come and bring presents.  Well soon enough it was December 24th so we headed off to Gaga and Pa's house for a Christmas Eve celebration.  It was complete mayhem with kids ripping open presents.  It was chaos in the best way.  Since Landon was not interested in opening presents, Austin and Jax did all the work.  After everyone was done we took the kids upstairs to the garage where Gaga and Pa had two big special presents.  A Ford F150 pick up truck for each set up grandkids.  They were so excited!  Landon loves anything with a motor so he was just beside himself.  When Kelly and I were little my Nana and Pappap did the same thing for us and it was one of our favorite toys for many years.  After a late night we headed home to wait for Santa.  I think Jeff and I were just as excited as the boys.  The next morning the boys actually slept in.  We woke them up and started with the stockings that were hanging on the mantel upstairs.   Then it was time to head downstairs to see if Santa brought presents.  They were both so excited when they turned the corner and saw all of the presents under the tree.  We spent about an hour and a half opening them.  Gaga and Pa came over a little bit later and we all ate Christmas breakfast together.  It was an awesome morning.  After naps we headed over to PopPop and MomMom's house for more celebrating.  Are these kids spoiled or what?  There are now 6 grandkids on that side of the family so it's always a party.  The kids had a blast opening presents and chasing each other around.  

Playing with his beloved ninja turtles

Landon's loves to imitate the sounds that cars make.