Christmas Tree Expedition

Today we trekked an hour north to a tree farm to get a Christmas tree. Jason knows the family who owns the farm and wanted us to go there to get the full "experience" of selecting and cutting down our own tree. I was prepared for meltdowns in the car, chasing toddlers everywhere, and general disaster. But it actually went pretty well! We had no trouble getting there by their opening time at 9am, since everyone was up at 6am, as usual. The kids were fascinated enough by the new experience that they were pretty cooperative, and we had plenty of DVDs for the ride home.

The farm family was very nice and obviously love what they do. There was a little outbuilding with cider and cookies, crafts and food for sale, and things for kids to do. They had a very thoughtful set-up for kids, with paper and crayons, books, and toys.


And bunnies! Usually when we visit animals all the kids hang back for a minute, and then Zoey marches up and pets them first. Today was no exception.

The bunnies were so soft and little!



After the bunnies, we took a short walk through the woods. They enjoyed kicking their feet through the piles of leaves.

Resting by a rock. Abby is a champion hiker!

Zoey shares my feelings about hiking. She wanted to be carried much of the way.

Why is it that toddlers are really fast, until you actually want to get somewhere?


At the end of the loop there was a chicken coop. The kids have learned to say "bok bok bok" so they were excited to see real chickens.

Isn't this sweet???


We finally got serious about picking a tree, especially since the farm was starting to get crowded.

Lumberjack Jason

Watching me pretend to cut the tree down

Checking out the fallen tree

Enjoying homemade cookies (provided at the farm) on the ride home



Undecorated tree, and wreath on fireplace

The kids "helping" to decorate the tree. They took the ornaments off as quickly as I could put them on.

Please excuse their outfits - Zoey was refusing to wear her pants, Abby didn't want her onesie snapped, and Lucas' pants got wet and he ended up in pants w/an orange stripe to go with his shirt w/a red stripe. Oh, and of course none of the grown-ups got to take a shower today.

Zoey running off with the ornaments



We finished decorating the tree after the kids went to bed. Notice there's nothing on the bottom half but lights? :)


And the stockings were hung by the TV with care...


As usual we are exhausted. Good night!