The Tree that Joshy Picked

I swore we'd never do it again.  I even made a blog entry three years ago that said, "If we ever think of going out to a tree farm to find our Christmas Tree, RE-READ THIS BLOG ENTRY to remind you of the pre-holiday headache!"  But on the Saturday after Christmas--after nap time, no less!--when Jeff says, "Let's go have a family adventure!" (and I reply, "Are you sure this is the adventure you're wanting?") we jump in the van with whining kids.  It was not looking promising.

But as soon as we get to Dietz Farm, the crisp air and the mission of finding a tree ("It doesn't have to be PERFECT, Dad," Gracie reminds us) take hold of us and we are jolly.

Don't we look jolly?  Jeff and Josh leading, Gracie and Micah and I following with hope...and in TEN MINUTES, people, Joshy finds our tree.

Jeff doesn't hesitate, but takes to cutting down that gorgeous tree.  (I get sort of sad when I see them being cut down.  I want to hug them).

But these helpers were too precious to let me dwell on the cutting.  It was a tree adoption in process!

And we're in and out in 30 minutes.  I am shocked.  And overjoyed.  Jeff says we reclaimed our family-hood at the tree farm this year.

And the day gets even better with to-go pizza on the way home and a SLEEPOVER night--girls at Van Sickles, boys at Lochheads', and Daddy put up the outdoor lights.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, people!

And as a PS, our tree this year turned out to be our best tree EVER!  It stayed fresh all season, it had great space for decorations, and it smelled great.  And that Joshy picked it out was like icing on the cake!  It was a sad day in January when I watched the green recycle truck take it away...but I'm getting ahead of myself!  There's Christmas coming, still!