o Christmas tree, o Christmas tree

We finally did it. After 2 consecutive weeks of plans foiled by illness or road conditions, we finally made our way back up into the mountains with hacksaw, tree permit, snowshoes, and toddler in tow to pick out our 4th annual cut-your-own family Christmas tree. The winding drive up the mountain was both beautiful and icy as snow fell silently and steadily. Dan expertly steered clear of the tree-topped vehicles descending the mountain on the narrow forest road (including a minivan that was sliding back and forth across the road -- sheesh!..and I know what you're thinking but it was a man behind the wheel!).

Once we found a place to park, we didn't have to hike too far up the mountain before we found it. And by "it" I mean the tree, of course. In Dan's words, "I don't know if it's the perfect tree, but Jackson approved of it." Now, the tree is a little on the slender side so it wasn't long before Dan had sawed through its base, we all yelled "Timber!" and the tree came to a silent halt on the snow-covered ground. I dragged the tree down the slippery, snow-covered slope of the mountain while Dan carried the more fragile cargo, Jackson. We had fun taking some pictures on our tree hunt adventure. Jackson especially had fun yelling "Poof!" as he whacked a snow-covered branch with his mitten-clad hand and watched the snowflakes scatter in a thousand directions.Once the tree hunt was over, Jackson savored a blueberry muffin snack......and cried when he found out there was only one muffin.Back at home, decorating the tree was primarily a job for Dan and me but Jackson tried to lend a hand while putting on the lights.He's a fan of the tree and we haven't had too terrible of a time keeping him from touching the ornaments. No broken glass yet!Now with a decked out tree, Christmas music playing, the manger scene on display (with a few extra characters perhaps), Christmas cookies baked, and Christmas cards in the mail (most of them), it really is feeling like Christmas around here!