This year we went to Bead Lake to find a tree (note to self, scope out a better place to look for a tree). This was more of a hiking experience, although the trails are wide and well maintained. It's more that the little ones are wimpy and it was cold and I didn't make Maeve wear her heavier coat. But we found a great tree that may be our best one yet. It's not too big, it looks great! So far, it only has lights and isn't getting ornaments because the combination of our sons and our puppy will mean chewed and ruined ornaments and I'm just not down for that this year.

Our Christmas tree was a process this year, as it seems to usually be. Step 1 is to cut her down. Step 2 is bringing her into the house. Step 3 is lights. And then step 4 is decorating the tree. We only ever seem to manage to get steps 1 and 2 and maybe 3 done in the same day. And honestly, this totally works for me! Trimming the tree always feels like a lot, so it really is nice for that to have its own day. I taught my boys to be soft with the tree and to say, "pretty tree," but it's not been unseen for the "soft tree" stroking to turn into pulling on limbs. All in all, I've been very impressed with their restraint. The tree has remained largely unscathed. Presents will not be placed under the Christmas tree until at least the 22nd, likely later, because I just don't trust those little dudes.

We had a long and involved list of activities to do with Nana and Papa JJ. But, once the adults started getting sick one by one, we had to prioritize. Instead of going into the forest to cut down a tree, we went to a tree farm. The morning we went tree hunting, an ideal amount of snow fell at the right elevation and so looking for a tree was extra beautiful. I mean, check it out! This year, I wanted a fuller tree because those are harder to come by in the wild. And I'd say we found her! Getting the tree home and lit and decorated all went really well. Maeve was a little confused as to why she didn't have some of the same ornaments as her sisters (she had yet to be born those years). Surprisingly, the babies have been very kind to the tree. I'm impressed and relieved to not have to police the tree.

One of the first things we did upon arriving home was cut down a Christmas tree. We had to hike quite a ways in to find "the one." And even then, I had resigned myself to being a little less picky this year than in years past because I continually felt like a better tree was just around the next bend. Our tree felt like a bit of a settle, but once we got her home and in the house, I was very impressed with her! She's a beauty! Holly was a total champ and hiked that tree out with Conor. I'm so proud of her and so grateful!

This year's ornaments are green felt stockings with a bit of bead work.

And here she is in all her decorated glory!