O Christmas Tree

Samuel and I both agree that our Christmas tree MUST be a real one. We love the smell and feel of a real tree--and all the kitties love it too. When Princess and Pumpkin were kittens, they used to climb up into the Christmas tree and sleep in the branches. It was the cutest thing. I love to see their reaction every year when we bring the tree in the house and set it up in the stand and then watch the cats slowly come downstairs and look at it. They usually spend the first few nights sleeping underneath it.

When I was a kid, I remember driving up to the mountains and walking through Christmas tree forests and choosing a tree with my family--and then my dad having to saw it down and tie it on top of our van. We always had hot chocolate to warm us up and it was always such a fun time--great memories!

Our kids are still too young for that, so maybe we'll embark on that tradition when they are a little older. For now, Target will suffice.

All their trees are outside in the garden center and it was FREEZING!! We went at night and seriously, it was in the 40s!! It was so cold! There was no need to drive up to the snow and choose one in the freezing weather--we just drove over to Target and stood in the freezing cold there.

Helene was all bundled up

So happy as usual

Hannah was her usual crazy, energetic self--running around, entertaining herself with a stick she found and some gingerbread people and Santa

She looks so grown up to me in this picture!

Can't believe she is only 3!

Sammy was busy helping Samuel find a tree

Hannah joining in on the hunt

The sea of red poinsettias was so pretty

All set to go

Stay tuned for the finished product...