O Christmas Tree

Last year, I wanted to start the tradition of going out to a tree farm and cutting down our own tree. However, it was absolutely freezing and Kate was screaming all the time, so we just followed our old tradition of going to Lowe's and picking out a cheap, decent tree and calling it a day.

However, now the girls are older, there is less screaming and it's a bit warmer. So, I found a tree farm sort of nearby and off we went. After a 20 or so minute ride on a beautiful sunny day, we arrived at the tree farm. An incredibly friendly and helpful worker greeted us, lent us a saw and explained where to go. Then I realized I only had a debit card--no cash. So we gave back the saw and went on a hunt for an ATM machine in the middle of nowhere. We did eventually find one and started to head back, but not before it started to rain. Heavy, freezing rain. And Annie fell asleep in the backseat. Upon our return, the same friendly worker at the farm gave us the saw once again and bid us good luck.

We headed to the Frasier Fir section in this:

Despite the rain, we all piled out of the car. Like her father, Annie refused to believe my assertion that it was actually snow falling, rather than cold, freezing rain. She was not pleased. (Click on the picture to enlarge it and see the priceless expression on her face).

Kate did not seem to mind as much, though she did refuse to move/walk at all when I put her down.

Luckily, after just a few minutes, the rain did stop and we had an enjoyable time walking through the trees trying to find just the right one. Annie wanted this one:

(The saw was a prop. We were right there and took it away promptly. No need to call CPS).

Annie did mention that she was cold a few times (as did Matt). And Kate still was unsure about walking around in the trees. But it turned out just fine.

Matt was incredibly manly and cut down the tree in short order.

At home, we decorated while listening to the Disney princesses sing Christmas carols. Annie helped somewhat, while Kate ripped the top off all the decorative ball ornaments and then tried to eat them. This is the reason there are few to no ornaments on the bottom half of the tree.

All in all, it was actually a really nice day. The girls love the tree, and it was certainly an experience we won't forget. Matt can't wait for next Christmas to go tree hunting again!