Christmas Tree ~ the 2011 edition

So let me start by saying I love Christmas!!!

I love getting a tree (I mean the perfect tree), it is a challenge I adore!

Ever since we've been married Timmy & I have supported our Christian School (http://www.easternchristian.org/) at Christmas time by ordering our tree from them.  So that is 11 trees that have been purchased from ECSA and have found homes inside in all 4 places we have lived since getting married.  This year there was no tree sale.. Interest had faded over the years...the Christmas Bazaar event where the trees were sold has since been cancelled.  So we decided that we would join our friends and cut down a tree together.

Filled with images of strolling side by side thru the fields of trees looking for that perfect tree to grace our living room as the centerpiece of our Christmas decorating, we set of to Sussex County and a small Christmas tree farm.  Who knew that this event could be so challenging.  A local restaurant where we were going to eat lunch had a huge line so off to the farm we went first.  Among our group there were 2 very cranky, clingy, crabby two -year olds. 

Two five-year olds who insisted on carrying the saws & at times using them in there karate demonstrations. 

While out in the fields we needed a bathroom break for the 2 year old boy, then the 2 year old girl needed to go.  This Mommy was not walking back to the porta potty so I held her in some tall grass.  Next we experienced a nose bleed from my 5 year old.  There was a lot of back and forth about which tree to get.  We settled on a beautiful tree (it's a bit wider than I thought in the field). Did I mention that Cali had to pee again & we found another nice secluded area for her to go. 

Back at the restaurant (now it is between 3 and 4 p.m.) there is still a 20+ minute wait for a table.  What the heck?  Of course my Cassie can't go to a restaurant without feeling full after 2 bites.  She had to go outside to get air.  She was going to wait for us in the car while we finished up eating.  (The 5 year olds were so crazy & wired while dining that we had to separate them).  When we get to the car, she was missing.  She had gone to the bathroom but of course we had to look for her.  We found her & made our way home.

Once at home we had trouble getting the tree to stand straight in the stand.  Timmy settled on tying it to the mantle with some fishing line to keep it stable.  It was quite the adventure.  Not one I am sure we will repeat next year.  I joked with my friend that we should leave the kids home & make it an adults only outing.  :-)