Joe made the family decision that this year would be the year we cut down our first Christmas tree. Riding a trolley out into the fields, walking around as we search for the perfect one, then enjoying donuts and cocoa afterwards. I love the idea of it. I was just more hesitant given the temperature that day and the age of our small children. I probably would have waited a year or two more and simply settled for a pre-cut mostly dead tree again this year, but I wanted to honor my husband's excitement and decision to be adventurous that morning. So, off we went.
The farm was perfect. Abby was especially excited to board the trolley! As we rode into the field, all of my doubts were momentarily gone as I soaked in the family memory we were making. I swallowed my pride and made a point to say to Joe, " YOU WERE RIGHT! Thank you for making us do this. It really is much better than picking a tree off the lot."
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| so excited |
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| our tree. Please note Abby's uncomfortable positioning. |
That is where the pictures end. Do you know why? Because that is where the fairy tale family morning ended. Somehow I forgot to take pictures when Abby started screaming in the middle of the tree farm that she had to go potty NOW and then proceeded to pee everywhere. Did I mention that is was freezing cold outside? So, now not only did I have a three year old complaining about it being cold as we looked for trees, but I had a three year old who was drenched in pee complaining about not being able to feel her legs because her wet legs were freezing. perfect. family. morning. The girls and I left Joe as he needed just a little more time to decide on the tree and we started to head back to the trolley. He said he would only be a few more minutes, so we stood and waited. At that point, both girls were fussy and cold. Ella was squirming in one arm and Abby was stomping her feet next to me begging to be picked up because she was "SOOOOOO COOOOOOOLD"! Another ten minutes later and here comes Daddy smiling proudly with mud stains on his jeans as he presents us with the "perfect Christmas tree".
In the moment, it took every ounce of self control not to say, "I told you so", but I'm glad I didn't. The reality is, Joe and I were both right about the day. Our girls weren't totally ready to spend an entire cold morning in the tree field. Getting a pre-cut tree probably would have been much easier and tear free, but it wouldn't have been an adventure with a story worth retelling and laughing about afterwards (once we were dry and warm of course). We did have the "perfect" memory making morning for us...even if the memory included excessive amounts of pee, a pair of forgotten mittens and no donuts. I'm thankful for my husband who cares about making memories and who nudges us to try new things. I'm thankful for the beautifully alive Christmas tree in our living room. I'm thankful! Who needs perfect anyway?
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| Rockstars ready to decorate |
It was a lot of fun this year to see Ella discover Christmas for the first time. Last year, she was only five months old. This year, she has been exploring and enjoying all of the sights, sounds and special things we do this time of year. Abby has loved teaching Ella the things she knows.
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| Ella: (pointing to donkey and sheep excitedly) Neighhhhhh! Baaaa! |
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| Ella picked up an ornament on her own and decided to copy what Abby was doing. Here she is hanging her very first ornament. |
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Abby pointing to one of her favorites.
Notice the chocolate drips all down the front of her shirt. It was a really delicious cup of hot chocolate and she enjoyed every minute of it. |
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| starting their advent devotional with Daddy |
I'm sure we will be remembering this "perfect" Christmas memory for years to come! So blessed.
