Oh, Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree

• 12.11.2013

Saturday morning we woke up to snow!  It was going to be the perfect day for a trip up into the South Hills to find Christmas trees--I could just feel it in my bones. 

Our ward's Elders' Quorum hosted the activity.  They bought tree permits, brought up sleds and saws, and even stoked a fire complete with chili and peppermint hot chocolate for lunch.  Unfortunately, the storm kept a lot of folks away, which meant the guys had the duty of finding trees for those who spoke for one and to bring them on home--as a sort of Christmas service, I suppose.  But I would rather think of our morning as a thrilling outdoor adventure because it truly was!

The little boys and I accompanied Bron and several other friends deep into the hills on snowmobiles--except for Jed and me.  We cruised in a sled attached behind a snowmobile.  It made for a very cold and bumpy ride, but Jed was a brave trooper.  He simply buried his face into my arm.  It was a lot of fun!  Levi, on the other hand, got to feel the rumble of the engine beneath his tiny frame next to Dad.  It didn't take him long to find the gas button; it was pretty obvious he was hooked.  Jed and Levi are both 100% boy!  I love it.

The snow just kept coming down all day long.  Every pine was covered in a thick blanket of white.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  And downright magical.  We stopped several times to march through the trees and pick the very best ones. 

Both Bron and I couldn't wipe the childish grins off our faces when we were done.  Nothing puts a person in the Christmas spirit quite like fresh powder and Christmas tree hunting.

I sure hope this is one of Jed's first memories.  It was a wonderful morning.

And now, for a picture overload:

*I switched my camera to auto and handed it to our neighbor and babysitter, Kamri.  I should do that more often!  She had a ton of fun clicking away and I now have a hundred pictures of our day together.  Many of these pictures are ones she took.  Thanks, Kamri! 

^^Jed sledding^^

^^Even in the freezing cold, Levi is still happy^^

^^Romping through the woods^^

^^Family picture in the snow!  Now if only Jed were smiling...^^

^^Levi tasting some fresh powder^^

 ^^This is how we roll^^

^^We couldn't peel this kid away from the machine^^

^^Kamri making some winter magic^^

^^The boys did really well until the very end when they suddenly decided they were freezing.  They were quite dramatic about it.  But some food in front of the fire fixed that.^^

^^Sweet sleepy hot chocolate mouth on our way home^^

 

There's something special about those hills.  We had a blast.  I can't wait to go back.