Oh Christmas Tree

This year we had thought about getting a real tree.

I found out my sister's tree was an Oregon tree. If they live in Utah and have an Oregon tree, we need an Oregon tree while we live in Oregon.

I was talking to my friend Amy who is from Oregon and she mentioned a good place to get one and asked if my husband was coming. 

No...why?, I wondered.

So, like every decision I make, no thought about technicalities was put into it as me and the kids headed two blocks away to get our REAL TREE. We've never had a real tree for Christmas.

I kind of want to call it the 'tacky tree' because with my decorating skills, all the ornaments the kids get each year and Ben's ornaments he got growing up makes for a less than designer tree; but it is more meaningful!

Getting the tree: we drove up the to mechanic's shop/temporary christmas tree spot and I saw a sign saying leave your $5 at the door. FIVE DOLLARS. Then we rushed to grab a tree. I saw a several trees off to the side that the branches were tied up, as opposed to the others that were just laying out on the ground. I went for the tied up ones. They looked a little taller but since we were shoving it into our mini van I thought the kids would appreciate not eating the tree.

 The first thing I noticed was how heavy it was. Very heavy. It easily outweighed me. So instead of picking it up like I imagined ( :) ) I drug it to the car. The next thing I noticed was how muddy it was. Good thing I changed my cute jacket for my outdoor coat last minute. I was already drenched with mud.
Once I got it to the car Cody helped me lift it up and shove it into our car. Now the minivan was covered in pine needles and mud. It stuck right between Macey and Cody's head.
Somehow we drug it into our garage and went and bought a stand and drug it into the house and put it into the stand. The last thing I noticed was how tall it was. I thought we were getting a five foot maybe tree. This is maybe 8 or 9 feet. I was so tired it turned out dangerously crooked. But it's still standing!

Have I ever mentioned that Ben and I have the same baby ornament? 

I was born in Minnesota and Ben in Logan, Utah, not even close by. Not just a ball saying Babies First Christmas-cute little ornaments. How cute are these?

 If that doesn't say meant to be, what does;)?

Christmas letters to santa! 

Macey drew what she thought santa would like: presents and cookies.

Macey marked the 'very good' for Mackayla. If I had done it I would have written borderline. Just kidding Mackayla, we love you and your spunky sweetness. 

Mackayla loves coloring! She bends right down and intensely scribble-colors.