the Little Drummer Boy

I predicted this would happen. When I mentioned to Ellen that he might like a drum and musical instruments for Christmas, I knew that I'd have to listen to the playing of said instruments. I knew that I might get serenaded first thing in the morning, and I didn't mind that. So it happened this morning. I heard the metallic ting of his triangle ringing from his room and I heard him tapping the tambourine. Then I heard the drum start up. Soon the drumbeats were getting closer and he marched into our room wearing the drum and playing it. He said "good morning, Mommy, I'm the Little Drummer Boy." I watched and listened while he played for me and then he took off the drum and set it beside my bed and said "I'll be right back, Mommy, you stay here" and he left. He came marching back in with the cymbals and said "this will be loud, Mommy" and played them for me. Then he handed me the cymbals and put the drum back on and we sang Jingle Bells while we played. He said "great job, Mommy!" and then urged me to get up and play Marching Band with him. He's a pretty decent little drummer.

Tonight he partook of a Mitchell family Christmas tradition. He got one of those giant peppermint sticks, like a log of candy cane, the kind that David and his siblings got every Christmas. He started on it and of course got himself and the kitchen and several toys completely covered in sticky, but he enjoyed himself. We have saved the thing for him to enjoy again and again (will probably take a month).