The Tree

About a week and a half ago, we headed up to the foothills to cut our own Christmas tree.  This was the second time we had cut our own since we moved here and both times have been such a great experience!  There is nothing like searching the rows of trees trying to find the perfect one, the one that speaks to you and says "pick me!".  This was the first time visiting this particular farm and we went during the week, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves (yay!).  The farm is owned by a very sweet old couple and just has that old-time charm feel to it.  As soon as we got out, we were greeted by about 5 dogs and one even followed us into the field (and later joined us on our picnic!).  We spent about 15 minutes weaving in and out between the trees and then we finally all agreed on one of the smaller trees.  The boys all helped to cut it and then Daddy carried it to be wrapped and loaded on top of the van.  I wish I had gotten a picture of Peter carrying the tree, but my arms were full with a toddler.  It really looked like a tree with legs and MaKenna couldn't stop laughing!  After the tree was loaded up, we took some time to explore the farm...they had several goats, a potbelly pig, some chickens, and about a dozen turkeys roaming free.  They also had a short trail that took you into a small wooded area and led down to a creek.  The kids had fun running around and taking in the scenery.  We ate a picnic lunch and then headed home.  Later that evening, we set to work decorating the tree.  It is always fun pulling out the ornaments and the memories that go along with them.  They all have their favorites and those are usually the first ones to go on the tree (and most were given by my parents...another yearly tradition!).  For a few days after the tree was up, MaKenna would grab some oranaments and tuck them away in special places- cabinets, under couch pillows, inside bags or baskets.  You would never know when an ornament would turn up!