We kept hearing word of Christmas tree shortages.
That prompted us to get a tree that first weekend in December.
Picking out a Christmas tree is much like picking out pumpkins.
It takes FOREVER.
And that is because the kids just go there to run around the fields.
First, they follow the map.
Mikey has the map.
That should explain everything.
Next, they find random things in the fields and run back to show us.
Then, they might stop for a bit and actually look at the trees they are running by.
Maybe hug one or two.....
This is Huzbend's "I am in Christmas Tree Farm Hell" face.
It makes its appearance every year.
Like clockwork.
It is very much like his, "Watching Disney parade/fireworks/nighttime spectacular AGAIN?" face....
And then, next thing you know, they've run clear across to another field.
It's not so bad.
It wasn't that cold and it wasn't pouring rain (just drizzle).
Ralph LOVES it.
So many smells at the Christmas tree farm.
He just sits with his nose up in the air when he can't see the kids.
When he CAN see the kids, he's pulling us along to chase them.
He doesn't like his people getting away from him.
All while his nose is to the ground, of course.
There may just be gourmet bunny poop to snuffle up.
Annnnd, then back across the field one more time.
We actually crossed the field again to eventually find our tree.
Huzbend cut it down and the kids got to practice with the saw.
Old Man Ralph.
Check out his grey whiskers and extremely boopable nose.
For the first time ever, the kids carried the tree back to the payment station.
It was quite a hike because they had run out so far.
Katie even held it for baling and then stood with Huzbend while he paid for it.
We don't have a luggage rack on our car.
So, our Christmas tree must fit inside our car.
It makes for a small tree and cramped conditions, but a wonderful smelling car.
The kids couldn't wait to decorate the tree, so we set it up that day so they could get to work.
They find the ornaments they made as little kids amusing.
"Check this one out!"
Mikey did have a preschool picture where he dressed as Superman.
Who was I to tell him how to dress?
I still don't.
He has a trademark style.
Katie put the last touches on the tree.
Candy canes.
It's a tradition.
And, surprisingly, Ralph doesn't eat them.
Our Christmas card photo.
Katie and Mikey created the backdrop, tree and family mini-figs.
I don't think I've ever dressed so glamorously.
Huzbend was upset that he had such a grumpy face.
And, that he was wearing a suit.
Mikey's school had a Las Posadas event.
There were crafts, traditional Mexican dishes, a piñata and gifts for the kids.
The food was GREAT.
Some-kind-of-homemade-soup, a simmered punch and homemade tamales!
Katie was in chip and queso heaven.
She ate about 2 tons of the stuff.
After crafts and dinner, it was piñata time!
The girls had their own piñata and went first.
It was destroyed before Katie had a chance to hit at it.
Mikey lucked out and was able to take a chance at the boys.
Both piñatas were decimated and somehow we ended up with some pieces as headware.
At the end of the event, all the kids got a gift to take home.
It was really fun.
I had to add this here as I keep forgetting to show Huzbend and I know he'll read this.
Someone decorated their brick chimney with lights for the holidays.
Hahahaha.
Katie and her girl scout troop (which includes Daisies, Brownies and Juniors, as well as Cadettes) went to the police department to bring cookies and do some caroling.
This was the first time that she wore her uniform.
Here she is singing.
It was cute.
Honorary Girl Scout Mikey was also able to attend.
At the end of the singing, the officer talked to them about her job and gave them badge stickers and a cool police bracelet.
Ralph trying to camouflage in our bathroom.
He's the best dog ever.
Especially for cuddling.
Katie and Mikey were sending this note back and forth to each other to set up a time to play legos.
The middle of December was crazy.
Gift buying, decorating, the last crush of school responsibilities (Katie had to memorize and recite "The Road Not Taken", write a fictional narrative of 3-5 pages, and study for an elements test), holiday parties with neighbors and prepping and closing up some PTSA stuff.
Phew!
The second-to-last responsibility before school break was attending a movie night for the 3rd graders of Mikey's school.
They had the most PTA memberships and won it as a prize.
We watched Cars 3.
The last-last responsibility we had before break was an IV infusion for Katie.
They got her on the second poke. Not bad.
Her infusion went as good as we could hope for.
It seemed that we were out in record time.
The boys stayed at home and played video games and Mikey worked to create "Infinity Gauntlets" for each of them so that they could conquer the universe in their spare time.
Thanos would be jealous.
