Christmas tree

After three years of having to wait in line to get a Christmas tree out of a shipping container (see JapanJournal posts for more on that), we had the priviledge of going to cut down a Christmas tree today.  Since we were first married, Stevie and I have tried to cut down our own tree whenever possible (not possible when we lived in some places) so we were exctied about taking the kids this year.

When I looked online to find a farm, I discovered oodles of them around us (not surprising since most trees around here look like giant Christmas trees).  I picked the closest one, entered the address in the GPS and we headed off.  This was a small, family run little place, but unfortunately, it was also sparsely populated with trees.  We wondered around a bit and came to the conclusion that our beautiful tree was not going to be purchased here.  I felt really bad handing the saw back to the man (OK, really Stevie handed it back because I was cowering by the car in embarrassment).  But a Christmas tree is an important purchase and I didn't want any Charlie Brown tree gracing my living room.

So we moved on to the next closest tree farm and had much better success.  After wondering all over the farm, we found our winner in the far back corner.

Going for a ride on the tree cart.

Chop, chop, chop

Timber!

Hauling it back to the car

 

I am laughing here because right as Emmy is about to take this picture, Christmas music starts playing from some loud speakers.  She looks up and says, "Whose phone is that?"

 

Decorating

Emmy trying to put the star on - can't reach.

Stevie trying to put the star on.  Can reach, but the star is too heavy and we're reminded of the Grinch's tree.

So we opt for an angel.