Tree Time!

One of the reasons Jody waited so long (9 months!) for his midtour break was so we could have him home for some "traditions" that would just be heartbreaking without him. Hunting down and cutting down a fresh tree is one of those traditions. Everyone looks forward to this and

whether it is snowing, raining, or sleeting, we get a tree on the appointed day. Thankfully, our day was beautiful and just cold enough. The kids found a tree about ten paces into the farm and then decided they needed to scope out the whole acre just to make sure it was the perfect one. You can't just walk in and cut one! You have to search! It was wonderful to have Daddy with them and it is obvious he enjoys it as much as anyone. One year I suggested just buying a precut tree and I was almost disowned! This is one of those traditions that cannot be altered! Pulling out the decorations is also something everyone loves to do. Joseph wasn't feeling well so he isn't in any pics. The rest of us had a blast decorating and listening to Christmas music. It was so good to be a family again.