Home for the Holidays...

It has been a while, but we are home for the holidays this year.  So, as was tradition at Chad's home growing up, we decided to go cut down a real Christmas Tree this year.  So, we did our research and found a tree farm only about 30 minutes from our home.  Like the Mahaffey Family tradition of Chad's youth, we took off the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, and headed to the tree farm.  It was lots of fun.  They had 5 different tree lots, and we looked through 2 before finding our tree for Christmas.  The kids had a blast looking at trees and picking out ones they thought would be perfect.  

Landon picked out this tree, but it was too small.

Sydney picked out this tree, but it was too big.

We all picked out this tree, and it was Just Right!

Unfortunately, we DID NOT get to cut down the tree.  We had to mark which one we wanted, and then some workers for the farm, came by with their tractor and chain saw, cut it down for us, and hauled it back to the parking area for us.  Nice though, because by the time we got back, they had the tree all wrapped up, and secured to the top of our car.  We then went in a little house or oversized shed, not sure which, to pay for the tree, and they had cookies and brownies there for everyone and a small bag with some stickers and a pencil for the kids, and they had a big tree that they had the kids put an ornament on.

We had to stop by Walmart on the way back for some items, and low and behold, Santa was there.  So chad and the kids stood in the short line and had the kids get their picture with Santa.  

Then it was home to begin the decorating of the new tree.  This is the first time that we have had a Real tree in our home.  If nothing else, it was worth it for the smell!  Such a lovely, wonderful Christmas smell.  Really brought the holiday in!  Doesn't the tree just look fabulous though.  Almost like it was made Just for that space!  Practically perfect in every way!

The kids LOVED decorating the tree.  They always do though!!

Even Michelle got into the spirit, jumped up on the couch with the kids and put some decorations on (truth be told, Chad did too, just didn't get him in any pictures.)

After a GREAT day, and lots of fun putting ornaments on the tree, everyone is STILL all smiles!  And that is a victory in and of itself!  Happy holidays.