Oh, Christmas Tree

We had a great time getting our tree this last weekend. However, it was really weird searching for our annual Charlie Brown tree without any snow. The past 6 years our search typically consists of heading up in the mountains, hitting snow really soon, and me picking out the first tree I see that actually has multiple branches for fear of going any further and either a)getting stuck or b) sliding off the hillside into some deep dark ravin where and no one ever finding us buried in all that snow in our white pick up truck. Ah...the fond memories of Christmas past.

This year it was a different story. Like years past, Joe and I were up bright and early packing up snow pants, long underwear, extra clothes, hats, mittens, scarves, sleds, hand warmers, etc. I was sneaking in overnight survival gear (blankets, flashlights, matches, food, can opener) "just in case." We headed up hopeful at finding at least a decent tree and finding some snow for the kids to sled in while we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows with the Clasen Family. We drove and drove and drove as we admired all of the great trees. Soon we were to the top with only a drift of snow in sight. The weather was absolutely beautiful and I must say... So is our tree! We don't have a Charlie Brown tree this year!!!! The branches are actually strong enough to hold ornaments further out than 2 inches from the trunk. AND we didn't have to "shape it" into a Christmas tree shape before bringing it into the house. It's a GREAT tree.

After finding our perfect tree (and we really got to be very picky this year) we met up with the Clasen's. The hot dogs, cocoa, and SMORES were delicious. Before we knew it the kids were stripping off layers down to their t-shirts. So much for Joe and I's packing efforts...and no we didn't need my survival gear either! :)

As much as I sound like I'm complaining about our trees in the past, I really wouldn't trade the experience and tradition for anything!

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