Yet another post that comes a couple of weeks late, but I want to get it all on here for our keeping!! :)
This year the kids asked us if we could get a "REAL" Christmas tree again?! It's been many years (try ELEVEN!!) since we last had a real live tree to decorate. I love the fresh pine smell, but detest the needles that linger and fall! So for the past decade we have had artificial trees. And though still very beautiful when decorated, I know they aren't at all the same. Breanna was only three the last time we went to a farm to get a real tree, so she barely remembers it. And Dawson has never had the experience, so we thought it was time that we bring back to life this fun tradition.
And FUN it was! The Saturday following Thanksgiving, we made our way to a local tree farm and had such a great time. It didn't take us long to spot our tree, and after cutting it down, and loading it onto our trailer, we took it over to be 'shaken' and wrapped for home. In the meantime we enjoyed the petting zoo, some cider and hot chocolate around the bon fire, and a horse drawn hay ride. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and the weather felt more like October! I'm so glad the kids turned us back to this great tradition, and next year we can't wait to have Khloe along with us! Now, if I could just get them to 'enjoy' helping me decorate the Christmas tree!! They were both so busy this year, that they didn't have much time or interest. Dawson did help me with some of the ornaments ...but I will be sure to get all of the family more involved next year! Here are some photos of our fun day... Enjoy!! :)
We found our tree!
Dawson stands guard while Martin and I go get the Tahoe and trailer.
It measured over 10 feet tall!!
I held it steady, while Martin cut it down!
He's "cheating" ...using his cordless DeWalt Sawsall!!
The animals were a hoot! They had the most gentle and patient horse I have ever seen! Along with a mini pony, mini donkey, lamas, lambs, goats, piglets, ducks, chickens and even turkeys!!
This jealous little goat came right over to me when it seen me petting the little lamb ...typical "kid"!! (get it!?!) LOL!! ;o)
I have to admit...they were awfully cute! And truthfully, they didn't even smell bad!! ;)
Looks like this turkey survived Thanksgiving!! 
Back home and our tree is in the stand ...It nearly touched the ceiling!!
Rascal takes advantage of a cuddly moment!
Tuh~Daaahh!!
The tree was just the beginning of our Christmas decorating. I will post more of what else has kept us busy over the past couple of weeks, soon! :)
18 comments:
You know the nicest thing about all these pictures was seeing you in them!!! I do not think I have seen a picture of you and it was fun to see you with your children and the 'KIDS'!!
Beautiful tree!
WOW!!! what a beautiful Christmas tree. I miss those days cutting down a tree with my brothers as a young girl. JUST BEAUTIFUL!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Okay, first of all let me say that picture of you with the tree is SUPER cute!!!! I wish I could pull off a hat like that! The tree is gorgeous...and it makes me totally jealous! I've been wanting to do the whole tree farm thing (and there's one right down the road from us!) but Andrew thinks real trees are a fire hazard and won't give in. I do get a little fresh greenery for the mantle every year, and it terrifies him to light a fire during the few weeks it's up there but he gives in so I can have my "fresh" smell! Oh! What great pictures! It looks like you had a super fun day! Precious memories in the making, my friend! Thanks for sharing them! :)
Love ya!
What a beautiful tree! We have an artificial one but it's just not the same experience when I "hunt" for it in the basement as it is to hunt for one at a tree farm!
And what a treat to see the photos of you and your family! I still have a hard time deciding if it's you or Brianna half the time. Love your hat BTW. It's so funny when I realize that I really don't know what my bloggie friends look like most of the time. I usually have that tiny posting photo in my mind and it's so small it's hard to really see much defining detail. So when I see a real photo it's amazing like a big reveal or something.
I'm going to bet you make the Christmas Tree Farm trek again next year with your entire family ;-)
I'm trying to figure out which side of your living room that's on .. is your fireplace to the left or the right of the tree? Just curious ..
Also, you photographed quite well in these pictures, sister dear! You look smokin' hot! :)
.. and WOW does Breanna ever have her "pose" down ;)
Can't wait to come see the tree (oh, and you too, of course!)!
Looks like you all had a great time picking and cutting down the tree. You look so cute holding up the tree. And your tree is beautiful!
Merry Christmas
wow what a huge tree!! And it looks so nice all decorated. We aren't doing a tree or really any holiday decorating this year because I'll be away, but I cannot wait for next year when we can go all out and celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple together.
I loved seeing these photos of you and the kids. You are all so photogenic. You holding the tree = CUTE.
You are so absolutely stunningly beautiful!!!!
This was your first real tree in years?!? I soooooo happy for you! Very good friends of ours are Christmas tree farmers, so we are BIG on real trees....course this year with our move/travels we had to go fake, and it's just not the same. :0(
Your tree looks so beautiful. I love the background on the blog too!! It's my favorite one, but I couldn't figure out how to make it readable...oh, to have the creativity of you!!
Next year, Khloe will be watching Daddy cut down the tree with a saw! Yahoooooooo!!!
BEAUTIFUL!!
What a gorgeous tree. And a gorgeous family! I look forward to getting our real tree every year. You're right, it can be messy with the pine needles, but oh so worth it! The kiddos just love the real one {and so does mom!}
I agree with Valerie, it's funny how we know each other from a little profile photo and then when a larger photo is displayed, it's like a big reveal, ha ha. You look beautiful! I'm sure you are looking forward to having your little Khloe for next year's Christmas traditions! Merry Christmas to your blessed family :)
Oh my -- what a beautiful tree! And so fun to see you and your cute family! Have a wonderful holiday!
Janet
Your pictures are so beautiful!! Your tree looks wonderful - the hunt is so fun, isn't it?
I LOVE seeing you in these pictures! I can almost smell that tree! Love it!
That is seriously a gorgeous tree! The artificial tree may be on its way out, huh?
Kelly
Really beautiful tree Tanya!! Sounds and looks like you had a great time:-). You're so right...there's nothin' like the smell of a fresh cut pine tree in the house during Christmas.
Did you hang some pictures of Khloe on the tree??? I know she's close at heart, and if you haven't yet it might make it feel like she's even that much closer, plus I couldn't think of a more adorable, precious ornament:-).
Love you,
Tam
What a beautiful tree! (where did you go? it looks like so much fun! I think we are in the same state-MN? we are going to have to get together for coffee after the first of the year!)
There were so many years when no one helped us decorate the tree- now we have helpers! The older ones are returnING AND THE YOUNGER ONES ARE LOVING IT! There is hope once Khloe is home!! Yippee!!
Gorgeous tree!!! ALways one of the highlights of my Christmas memories.. Can't wait to hear what else you are decorating!!!! Did you get the square?
Merry Christmas!!! I know God has wonderful things planned for you!
Blessings,
Diana
Fabulous photos, Tanya!
Just think, next year Khloe will be home to celebrate with you!! How awesome!
Sarah
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