Tree Hunting

It was a little rainy on the day after Thanksgiving, but we weren't about to let that stop us from hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. Our littlest lumberjack was pretty happy about getting out for his inaugural tree expedition, and we were so glad to have him along to join our bevy of beauties.

Jane was pretty set on finding a perfectly shaped tree, while I was hoping for a more natural look this year...but we found one we all agreed on! (Not the one pictured on the left...that one was eliminated for being too chubby.) Our larger lumberjack cut it down for us and hauled it to the van.

Woah, that lumberjack is super attractive. And Malan is such a nice second little mother for Oscar.

More Oscar...we can't get enough of his squishy goodness! Oh he is a delight.

The Hales arrived before us, but we got to see them for a bit after they had already found their tree. We are so lucky to have them and their kids around to make every event more fun!

Cute bunch of cousins!

 I forced my girls to let me take their pictures in the trees. They are changing so fast and I feel like I have to capture them every chance I can.

Lumberjack nap...this might be my new favorite picture. And will you check out Caleb's salt and pepper?! Love it, love it.

As soon as we got the tree up at home, we pulled out the Christmas boxes, heated some cocoa, got some tunes playing, and Olivia and Emme dug right in to the Christmas books.

I'm so happy that this time of year is magical for my kids. I have to admit, with all there is to get done before Christmas, and all the parties, school plays, recitals, etc., I have a hard time pausing to breathe, let alone trying to feel the Christmas spirit. But I love seeing my kids feel it and I hope I can find ways to simplify and slow down to enjoy it with them. It is such a special time of year and can be so beautiful.

And I do love our tree hunting tradition, it gets us off to a good start every year.