Thanksgiving Part III--Christmas Tree Hunt

Black Friday

We started off Friday unlike many other people in the US--in our beds! No Black Friday sales for us... 

Instead, we headed to the Christmas Tree farm. A new one this year because our old one (we think) went out of business--at least for this year. 

We got there and it was pretty cold due to a wind from the south--it's bad when the south wind is cold, right? Anyway, we immediately took the girls inside the Barn to check it out.

Not only were there fun crafts and coloring books, there was also free cookies (they were good) and hot apple cider, and popcorn! Hmmm... spoiled much? I think so!

But next, of course, was the torture we put them through by going out into the cold to wait for our hay-ride! Sorry girls.

 As soon as we got off the tractor, we skipped looking at the trees and instead headed into the warming hut. It's totally heated by an old stove, so we were plenty toasty within minutes.

 And then we ventured outside to look for our tree--but not before I got out the camera and pleaded for their beautiful faces to turn my way!

 Can you see the misery they're in? I know they look on the verge of tears, but trust me, they were perky again seconds after this photo.

 There was nary a soul to take a family photo, so we settled for the old mom with kids and dad with kids photos. What's really odd is the fact that this place was hoppin', but we didn't still didn't see any potential photo takers.

 Ummm... someone needs to tell Scrunchie that humans don't typically eat grass.

 Yes, I threw this one it just because! You're welcome!

After the tree hunt was complete, we headed back into the warming hut to await our chariot. 

 And then it was back onto the tractor and back to the barn. I loved that barn. It's not only for the kiddos and their crafts, but it's also full of homemade crafty stuff. Fun to look at, for sure!

 I told Matt that we should just sell our house and move into a barn. I swear it'd have plenty of room for my whole family. I only saw a portion of the barn, but I bet the square footage of that place is more than enough to accommodate my family of 7! And it's just so darn charming.

Buggy finally joined in the craft-time in round two of the barn. She loves to color and they had Christmas Tree books made just for that. 

 We came home and got the tree up. The girls and Matt decorated the whole thing. It was the first year that I was able to just sit and enjoy watching the girls hang the ornaments without my help. It'll be even more fun when all five are up there participating. 

 I decorated the rest of the house. Well, the main floor-- I don't decorate the upstairs or the basement. We do most of our living on the main floor, so I suppose that works! 

 That framed Christmas tree on the top-right shelf is one of my favorite holiday decor pieces. Matt's Grandma, Zada, made it from what appear to be jewelry pieces. It's old. It's beautiful. And it's made by a crafty Grandma! Cool in my book!

 We put the tree in a new spot this year. I like it. It gives me plenty of room to put some of my bigger pieces--like several trees and Santas!

This tree is wobbly and I always have to lean it up against a wall. But I love these little felt ornaments, also made by Matt's Grandma Zada. I love a little vintage look at Christmas time. 

Once the decor was up, the family settled in to watch Home Alone 2. This was the first movie that we all made it through--still awake at the end! Not only that, but the girls (especially Peach) were laughing the whole way through. Certainly some blessed holiday memories!

Saturday the girls visited my mom's house and baked treats and played. I didn't get any pictures of that because I was busy re-doing some rooms and getting their new furniture situated. So I'll be back tomorrow with our second feast that we had with Matt's family on Sunday.