finding 'the tree'

As Ian and I entered parenthood, we had some ideas of how Christmas traditions would look.  I knew there would be a tree, a real tree, but didn't care exactly where it came from.  He on the other hand had this vision that we'd go to the mountains, visit a farm and while a fresh new snow fell we'd walk across the mountain ridge, holding hands and sipping hot chocolate and see 'the tree.'

So in 2007, our first holiday season as parents, we headed to a little cabin owned by sweet friends up in the mountains and visited a tree farm called Mountain Memories.  We may not have held hands and sipped chocolate in the newly fallen snow, but we did have fun walking the farm and picking out just the right tree.  I laugh now when I read the words, "we're putting in our name to rent the cabin in Ashe County again next year."

About that...

Add one or more kids to the mix and getting away for a weekend in December just isn't as practical anymore.  Over the next four years we managed to get to the mountains once.  And that was because we spent Thanksgiving with Traci's in-laws.  At least we managed to develop a relationship with the folks at a nearby Christmas tree lot.  They did seem to remember us from year to year.  Guess we sorta stand out a little.

But this year some friends made us aware that there is a Christmas tree farm where you can cut down trees within 30 minutes of our city.  We were warned that the trees aren't your typical Fraser fur trees, but actually Leyland Cyprus trees as they grow better in this area.  Curious to see exactly what these trees were like, we decided to meet them on Saturday.  After all, our first activity in our advent season garland was "get a tree."

and yep, i actually made our garland.  for those that realize my sister got most of the creative ability in our family, you can stand amazed...

Excitement over our excursion began the second they saw the giant snowman...even if the temperatures were quite warm.

The area for the trees is HUGE, so it took many walks across...

and back through the aisles before we settled on 'the tree.'

There may have been no snow, no mountain range, and no hot chocolate while we walked, but none of that mattered to the kids.

What did matter?

Each of them got a turn to help Daddy with the saw.

With a bonus like that, who needed cocoa?

There is just something about dragging your tree toward the car that fosters goodwill and happy memories...

...even if the teamwork only lasts for a short period.

i didn't see exactly how this went down, but wee one sure was proud of himself!

 But then came the very best part of all.  Ian worked on the lights while I bathed the kids so that we'd be ready to decorate before bed.  Daniel beat me downstairs and then came running back up to get me, dragging me all the way while squealing, "Mommy, you HAVE to come see!  Come see our tree!  It's boo-tee-full!"

are we lucky or what ~ two years out of our Christmas pajamas!

Then the decorating began.  When we finished there were about 100 ornaments clustered on the bottom three feet of the tree.  It took everything in me not to go behind the kids and spread them out or move some higher.  But I took a deep breath and didn't.

And while I've flinched a few times since, I have yet to redistribute a single one.  By Christmas tree light you can't tell.  Besides, there will come a day when I'll long for most of the ornaments on the bottom third of the tree.  For now I'm going to sit back and enjoy it...