This year was certainly a year of firsts when it came to the annual Maxey Family Christmas Tree Chopping trip. After last year's difficulties and a little extra scouting, we came to the conclusion that we wouldn't be able to go to the tree farm we have been going to for as long as I can remember; they didn't have any Frasier firs in the height my parents were looking for. So, we went to a new farm that my mom got a coupon for. It was a bit farther away, but the selection was fantastic.
The second "first" of the year was that we had RAIN! And lots of it!
The second "first" of the year was that we had RAIN! And lots of it!
Yeah, as it turns out, freezing cold with rain isn't a whole lot of fun to tromp around in. But we did it and had some smiles along the way.
Here's the tree!
Christine provided cover for the kids while Bryson chopped down the tree.
The new tree farm had farm equipment and horses! Were it not such a rainy day, we probably would have explored a little more, but the weather was miserable so we got out of there as quickly as we could.
The third "first" was that we didn't go to Real Food for our after-tree lunch as per usual; the line was too long there and the kids were too hungry. So we stopped at Brandywine instead and had a little brunch!
A lot of things were the same this year, though ...
Dad still vacuumed up needles after the Christmas tree was finally in position.
Bryson still lounged on the couch for the most part, letting those who enjoy tree decorating really do their thing.
My dad still paused and laughed hysterically at his favorite part of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the movie we have watched during tree decorating for years.
We even got to enjoy the movie a bit before the kiddos got up!
Once the kids got up, we had them put on their ornaments, then they searched the tree for their favorites.
Those favorites mostly being those that make noise ... like the Charlie Brown one seen here!
Then, of course, we read How the Grinch Stole Christmas ... and Mollie snuggled with Santa.
Baylor, having woken up just before the end of Christmas Vacation and seeing the last little bit of it, was eager to watch the movie in its entirety. And as much as I'd like to share the laughter with him, there are a decent number of words and phrases I don't want him learning just yet. Can you imagine a three year-old walking around saying, "The shitter was full!" Yeah, I think not.
It was a great time and the tree was gorgeous all the way through Christmas - unlike last year when all the needles fell off.
A very merry ... VERY belated ... Christmas to you all!
A very merry ... VERY belated ... Christmas to you all!
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