There is something magical about having a live Christmas Tree. I never had one growing up, so I never really knew what I was missing. This past Wednesday, on a slightly rushed evening, we drove to a local Christmas tree... supplier... is that what they're called? We found a tree, brought it home... sprayed it off on the front lawn. Ty went to a meeting. Came home, and we set up our tree. The smell was fantastic!
There's something magical about a live tree...
...Or that's what I thought. Ty came home from work to find our tree fallen over, the stand bent out of shape. There apparently had been a crack in the stand already, and we had water all over the carpet. So while Bryce slumbered peacefully, Ty and I stayed up last night until midnight (that's super later for our household) trying to jimmy-rig this blasted Christmas tree! It once was an eight foot tree, now it's more like six and a half, since we had to trim the bottom so the stump could fit in a five gallon bucket we then weighed down with rocks.
(I couldn't help myself)
So now, our Christmas tree is temporarily relocated until the carpet dries and we can place it in it's desired location which is now the necessary location, being that we can anchor the darn tree to a banister. There is something magical about a live Christmas tree. I have magically become grateful for the fake tree I always had. I am magically grateful for my fake candle that tried to mimic the scent of a real tree. I do have to say one thing positive, I am very grateful all this happened before we had a chance to decorate the tree. I am certain we will laugh about this one day, but it's only December 2nd... We still have to move the tree again... I'm not feeling very confident that this month won't be spent riggin' our tree over and over again.... But really, if you are reading this, please laugh. Laugh your heart out. I'd like to at least know that someone else is benefiting from this blasted Live Tree!
In case a family member chooses to correct me later... I believe we had live trees when I was a baby, but since I can't remember those years, I am calling this my first.
We only thought to take a picture after the party had dwindled... but here's a few of us after gorging ourselves with cookies!
This year we changed things up a bit and added a "make-n-take" as well as a "bake-n-take".
I'm not a huge fan of cake, but cake balls are delicious!
Merry Christmas!
Every year Ty's work organizes a breakfast with Santa. I love seeing these familiar faces! 
Bryce still is no fan of Santa's. Maybe next year. He was, however, a big fan of his present this year: A backpack full of play-doh. He looks so grown-up :o(
Here's the update:
Merry Christmas Everyone!
There is something magical about having a live Christmas Tree. I never had one growing up, so I never really knew what I was missing. This past Wednesday, on a slightly rushed evening, we drove to a local Christmas tree... supplier... is that what they're called? We found a tree, brought it home... sprayed it off on the front lawn. Ty went to a meeting. Came home, and we set up our tree. The smell was fantastic! 
There's something magical about a live tree...
(I couldn't help myself)
So now, our Christmas tree is temporarily relocated until the carpet dries and we can place it in it's desired location which is now the necessary location, being that we can anchor the darn tree to a banister. There is something magical about a live Christmas tree. I have magically become grateful for the fake tree I always had. I am magically grateful for my fake candle that tried to mimic the scent of a real tree. I do have to say one thing positive, I am very grateful all this happened before we had a chance to decorate the tree. I am certain we will laugh about this one day, but it's only December 2nd... We still have to move the tree again... I'm not feeling very confident that this month won't be spent riggin' our tree over and over again.... But really, if you are reading this, please laugh. Laugh your heart out. I'd like to at least know that someone else is benefiting from this blasted Live Tree!
In case a family member chooses to correct me later... I believe we had live trees when I was a baby, but since I can't remember those years, I am calling this my first.
Chef Renee and Olivia had dessert menus and served us for the evening!
Rose and Glen
Tammy and Ty
And sadly I don't have a picture of Bree and Shane, they looked fantastic too! Bree busted out her French skills and continued to stay in character the whole time! It was literally amazing to me! It's fun to mix things up every once in a while. Thank you all for participating!
To get Bryce going, we played a little, "Catch Daddy"... 
After the turkey trot, we came back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. While preparing the feast Grandma made salt dough for all the cousins to make ornaments for her tree.
With all the busyness of the Feast, we forgot to take a picture... But I guess I don't need a picture to express my gratitude. I am truly a blessed person. I married the most wonderful man I know. Even my dad will say he only has two flaws. We have a beautiful son who keeps us busy and laughing. We both come from faithful and loving families. My parents are among my best friends, and I have fantastic in-laws! We have a comfortable home, that we arrive to by traveling on a beautiful road. I have wonderful friends. We are healthy. My husband, I have to mention him again, because he is my greatest blessing. He makes my days the happiest, and he helps me through the hard days too. He lets me talk his ear off, on days when I've had little adult interaction, I just love him. He's the best dad, he helps me be a better mom. Love him!!!
A good friend of ours is a pilot for the US Air Force. A while back he had owed me a favor and told me he'd take us to try out the flight simulator on base. Ty had been once before, and so I figured I'd lost my chance... So I was really excited when Tracy asked us again. Tracy has become a great friend and we are so grateful for all he's done for our family.
Our friend Daniel was with us too... Couple more lessons for him and he might just be good enough for the real planes!
Tracy - Real Pilot, Flight coach, boss, he assumed all titles and responsibilities that night! So fun! Thanks again Tracy!