Oh Christmas Tree

Every year, we load up the kids, drive a little

way out into the country, and chop down our Christmas tree.

It's usually cold and snowy.  It's

always fun.

The kids have great ideas about

the perfect tree.

We hike through a huge field until we find

the perfect tree.

Jon measures it to make sure it

will fit through our door, in our house.

All of the kids take turns cutting down the

tree.

When the boys lived with us the first time,

we took them with us to chop down our

tree.  P. was only two years old.

Baby J. rode on Jon's back.

They were too young to remember that trip, so

this year, when they chopped the tree,

it was like they were doing it for the first time.

In our family, you can't just cut a tree.

You have to decorate it too.

Decorating always includes party treats.

Eggnog, Little Debbie treats,

cookies, whipped cream.

The decorating party is all sorts of fun.

The kids look forward to it every year.

The lights are strung, new ornaments are given

to each of the kids.

In our family, the Christmas season

officially begins!!