Does This Christmas Gift Make Me Look Saxy?

When Ben started band in 6th grade, we bought a cheap used student saxophone that was listed as being in better condition than it actually was. We were OK with that, on the off chance that he didn't stick with it. A couple years ago we got an overhaul on it, and got most of the pads replaced. However, the pads were starting to come off again, the keys were out of adjustment so some of them didn't close all the way, and it was still only a student saxophone.

It became more and more evident that he would need a new saxophone. We told him to just hold tight for awhile, let us get through Christmas and the upcoming Hawaii payments, and then we would figure something out. We also told him to ask his band instructor what brand he recommended, and began our research. Little did he know, we also ordered him a new saxophone.

It was scheduled to arrive on a day that he was home ill....of course. Luckily it was also a Wednesday, so I was home to intercept. That thing got wrapped right away. Then the hard part of keeping the secret began. I'm terrible at this. Truly terrible, as evident by my announcement at dinner about a week before Christmas that the boys could each open on Christmas present.

Nate opened his first, he said he only wanted to open a small one. Which was perfect....they could both get musical instruments.

He had been asking for a harmonica

We kept Ben's gift out of the room and brought the giant box in when Nate had finished opening his gift. His initial response was "wow, that's big". He opened it up and saw the case insight. He told us later, he thought it was a suitcase, maybe for Hawaii or something. He opened the case and saw the saxophone and we got a "NIIIICE" out of him. However, his real excitement came when he noticed the styrofoam behind the keys and exclaimed "It's BRAND NEW"! He was also very excited to learn it was not an intermediate saxophone, but a professional saxophone. We figured we were going to buy a brand new saxophone, lets make it the last one we have to buy. 

In any case, it was a very well received surprise. We heard saxophone music all weekend long. And he got to use it the last week of school before Christmas break too. Nate took the opportunity to relax in the giant box, which he declared was his bathtub. 

At least he left his clothes on!

The video is dark, but still fun!