This is, very possibly, the part of the Christmas Season that most accurately depicts the selfless acts that defines parenthood.  Once again we’ve negotiated with Santa Claus to participate in “Santa’s Happy Open Opportunity To Meet an Elf” (S.H.O.O.T.M.E) which is a wonderful program where Santa sends one of his Happy elves to watch over the boys andmake sure their enthusiasm for the Big Man’s arrival is curbed with veiled threats and innuendos. It’s wonderfully effective and, for that, we thank Santa.  With that said, this isn’t without its work.  Elves can be very tricky, often forcing adults to stay up way later than they should in order to help feed their “Elf Magic.”  In addition, elves have a terrible propensity for being nearly eaten by black labs, a fear that we nearly realized last year.

So, it is with great excitement that the Austin Family embarks on its second year participating in the S.H.O.O.T.M.E program!  Merry Christmas everyone!