Christmas Morning

This year, Bella had a bit of an audience on Christmas morning, as we started a new tradition, inviting everyone to our house, from sun up to sundown on this special day.  In an effort to allow Bella to enjoy this day more, and as a whole for us to have more family time, it turned out to be a great day after all.

But first things first, the Santa gifts.  We corralled Bella upstairs until 9am, when her grandparents and Sarah and James were expected to arrive.  Considering she didn't wake up until 8am, it wasn't too difficult a task.  But once all the family had arrived, the show began. Ha!

You will notice a reoccurring theme with the gifts below.

Cymbals.

Rhythm Sticks.

Drum/Tambourine.

Planking with the drum/tambourine.

It seems Santa realized what a little musician Bella has become, and he realized that instruments would be the perfect gift!  

Her favorite gift of all, and the one thing she specifically named to Santa and repeated to her mommy and daddy, was this below.  It's hard to tell what she has in her arms, but it's a kitty.  NO, not a living one, but a furreal kitty, that meows and purrs--without all the needs of feeding, cleaning a liter box, etc.  

I think her enthusiasm was priceless!

And what's more fun than a family band session to follow?!  

I can't think of anything better.

Brunch to follow was great!  Having both our families together at one table, all celebrating the specialness of Christmas Day was a wonderful thing.  And for a first time tradition, it couldn't have gone any better.