Let me tell you– the only benefit of our obnoxiously ostentatious, ridiculously expensive, impossible to heat, high ceilinged family room is the ability to put up a REALLY TALL Christmas tree.
And it’s lovely.
Erik waits in line every Halloween for a tree permit in the Heber Valley Range and Thanksgiving weekend we pursue the Christmas tree– it’s a 3 holiday adventure.
Ben has the saw– I’m scared. Truly.
into the woods
up hills
and down
choosing a tree is serious business
Do boys ever outgrow the need to pick up sticks and swing them at each other?
And then my camera died.
No pics of Hans carrying Mary on his shoulders,
no record of Ben sawing down the tree,
no witness of the trees 33 rings (symbolic, yes?)
and you’ll just have to imagine how it draped over the top of the car.
Back at the ranch…
Xander really gets in the Christmas spirit for tree decorating.
Mary with the star worth dying for. Yes, she has chocolate face.
Good daddy.
My sister brought home the star and a set of Polish glass ornaments a few years after Erik and I got married.
Her gifts formed the basis of our tree decorating ever since– glass ornaments along with the mish-mash of school projects.
Her gifts formed the basis of our tree decorating ever since– glass ornaments along with the mish-mash of school projects.
A special spot is always reserved for Ben’s steering wheel– all that remains of his beloved red fire engine.
I don’t ever want to take it down.
jennie w.
Holy cow, how big is that thing? It’s gorgeous!
Tracy
That is lovely – wowza!!!
Linn
Oh and you shouldn’t ever take it done. Beautiful squared. I LOVE it! And your pictures. Have I ever mentioned how incredible they are? INCREDIBLE!
Annie
Stunning! Just keep it up and throw some valentines-St. Paddy’s-Easter-Father’s Day etc. ornaments on it as appropriate.
Danielle
Oh! how tall IS it?? It looks HUGE!! Its absolutely gorgeous!!!
Blue
the other day I was wondering if you string the lights on it while it’s lying on it’s side…cause I just didn’t know there were ladders THAT TALL. Knowing the rest of the story makes it even cooler…that you picked it and cut it yourselves.
that last pic looks like it’s inhabited by sparkly faeries. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.
Have a pixiedust happy day!
♥
Ken
Dear Michelle and Erik,
I’m pleased that you continue the tradition of cutting a fresh tree! We usually cut one too tall for our ceiling and used only the top! Your photos are amazing! Xander is the most handsome Santa I’ve ever seen.
Thanks for sharing!
With love,
Dad
Denise
It is lovely. So nice to have space for such a tall tree. We always went up into the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down our tree when I was a girl. It is one of my favorite Christmas memories. How great that you are making wonderful memories with your kids
Jodie
Absolutley beautiful tree! We used to hike out into the farm and cut trees down when our kids were small. I miss that tradition! Thanks for sharing yours with us.
twoelves
Gorgeous! Amazing actually. How ever did you get that home? Putting up a tree like that once a year is reason enough for that family room.
GeorgiaBecksteads
In a word – DAZZLING! The whole venture.
Mama
It’s a beautiful tree, Michelle. I love it. I am already sad the season is almost over — life’s not as much fun without a lit Christmas tree.
Bonnie
Oh. My. Goodness. That. Is. Beautiful. Wow.
Katherine
Michelle your tree is sooooooo BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
duchess
Beautiful!
Suzie Petunia
That is simply lovely. 🙂
Alyson (New England Living)
Stunning photos. You are amazing! I love your family tradition. We are also real tree lovers!
www.lifetrekkingcoach.com
YAHOO! Super Tree =)
Merry Christmas Erik & Michelle
& Everybody!!
Lots of love,
Cuz’n A.