O Christmas tree!

Are we searching for a Christmas tree or just a big snowball fight?

Both. Definitely both. Cutting our tree remains one of our happiest traditions. We always have a snowball fight, we always struggle to remember which kind you can cut– round needles or flat?– and Gabe and Mary always laugh themselves silly in the car. This year we added Molly which increased the fun by approximately 137%.

Have you ever seen a dog romp and play in the snow? It’s a wonder to behold.

A few too many snowballs.

 

This year, Gabe cut down the tree while Hans restrained the dog.

Mary’s job was to hold back Molly while the boys carried the tree down the hill.

Everyone always asks how we get our tree home. Well, just like this. Throw it on top of the car and drive ‘er home.

Erik doesn’t even take off his snow pants before he starts winding lights around every branch.

Will and Mary are on detangling duty.

The upper branches belong to Xander.

In the middle of our detangling and lighting, Ben arrived home (he was hosting a party at our house that night. Yeah.) Twnety months since he arrived home from his mission he still gets the same ecstatic welcome every time he walks in the door, “Ben’s home!”

Becuase of Ben’s party, most of the decorating was saved for the next morning.

Xander creates little stories with the ornaments. This is called: Bird Gathering.

This one: Spoiled Child

Every year, Xander sets up the train and claims, “I set it up, it’s mine. You can’t touch it.” (which is silly since I gave the train to Ben and Stefan before Hans was born, let alone Xander) So this year, Mary raced to assemble the train first. She’s enjoyed teasing Xander, but he still plays with it.

It’s truly glorious. But much, much better in person. You should come visit. xoxo