2011 Christmas Tree Hunting

This was the 13th year for our family to go out and cut down a tree. Oh the tradition of packing up all the gear, driving with Christmas music playing, trying to sound out the fighting or 2 minutes later the laughter that is so continuous and deep you think they may pass out... the arriving and hiking through snow, studying, discussing which tree, cutting down, & dragging back. The pulling of sleds up the hill and the cool enjoyment of down the hill, the cold cheeks, the tearful face-first plunge from the toddler, the inevitable cold hands of little ones who forgot the gloves in the truck. The relief of hot cocoa & roasted hot dogs... the packing up, securing of tree, the anticipation of decorating. The drive home, all worn out. Laughter, jokes only elementary kids share, a few games of rock-paper-scissors. Ahhh...family!