This is a family tradition that we absolutely love to do each year around this time. We get all bundled up and go down to the local farm to cut it down. This particular tree farm has been around for a very long time - it's the same place I used to go as a child with my family.
Yeah, I know, the trees are expensive...but it's just once a year and the memories we make looking for it are priceless!
The day wasn't sunny, but it wasn't really overcast either. They were calling for rain, but not until the evening, so we ended up with a cold but nice day. We parked our van at the bottom of the hill and trekked up to the top of the farm. For some bizarre reason, we think that cutting our tree down from the top of the hill is better than from the bottom of the hill - there really is no difference - but the hard work actually makes the whole experience more fun!!!
We looked at a bunch of trees before cutting down the one we wanted.
Too fat...
Too skinny...
Perfect!!!
Once again, Lionel found the perfect tree!! This is the 3rd year in a row he's done that! I guess he has a good eye for finding trees just the right size for our living room. We have a cathedral ceiling, so tall is good, but we don't want it to take up half of the room, so it can't be too fat either.
Once the tree was cut down, we hauled it to one of the main dirt 'roads' so the farm's truck could pick it up for us. When there's snow on the ground we just drag it to the van, but this year there was no way we were going to carry it down that big hill!!!
We waited about 20 minutes for the truck - no one was around today, so it was pretty quiet on the hill and they didn't come by as often.
Waiting patiently....
Once the truck stopped by, we enjoyed our long walk back down the hill. It was just so peaceful and this family time we had together was wonderful!!
We finally made it down the hill where they tied the tree up for us. The kids love to watch the machine 'eat' the tree and bundle it all up. Personally I think the best part is when we get it home, put it in the stand and then cut the rope - the tree explodes and the loose needles go flying. Gotta love it!
Once the tree is decorated, I'll post more photos. Tomorrow we'll probably put on the Christmas music, make some hot cocoa and decorate the tree together. Ahh, there's nothing like spending quality time with family!!!
1 comment:
Wow, what a great family tradition! On comes the guilt for having a fake tree up the day after Thanksgiving...! ha ha
Maybe next year!!!
Sounds really sweet, I'm sure you're making lasting memories for your children. Great pics too!
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