I'm just going to come right out and say it: this is the most beautiful Christmas tree ever! But, it did not just deliver and decorate itself! No, the Christmas tree process began hours before it was decked out with 900 white lights and dozens of ornaments. . . . .
First, Jason had to fire up his new snow blower to clean off the driveway of the first real snow of the season so we could go buy the tree.
Then, we had to bundle up in our warm, winter clothes - including snow boots and a hat that got a little sideways.
Next, we ventured through the tree selection at the Cosley Zoo, which is next to our gym. They are a small zoo with regionally native animals like deer, fox, llamas, cows, goat, etc. Admission is free during their Festival of Lights and tree sale! So, we spent a few minutes looking at the animals before our family's tree expert (Jason) picked us out a beautiful 8 foot tall Frasier fir.
Then, we rushed home for lunch and to meet our holiday guests. Ryan and Steve spent the afternoon and evening with us baking Grandma Leona's favorites: peppernuts and popcorn balls! We made two versions of the cookies and had a mini drama with the sauce for the popcorn balls being too runny. (Don't worry, Dad, the second half of the batch was salvaged and awaits your arrival.)
Meanwhile, Jason thawed out the tree in the garage and trimmed the bottom up. We need to have room for presents for the little fella! Jason is really proud of that tool. He just bought it at an after Thanksgiving sale.
Later, it took all three guys to wrestle the tree into its base and get it turned to the precise angle for decorating and display.
And finally, a beautifully decorated tree to charm the baby! Although I should note that this was on Sunday evening; Will went to bed before the tree was decorated on Saturday.
First, Jason had to fire up his new snow blower to clean off the driveway of the first real snow of the season so we could go buy the tree.
Then, we had to bundle up in our warm, winter clothes - including snow boots and a hat that got a little sideways.
Next, we ventured through the tree selection at the Cosley Zoo, which is next to our gym. They are a small zoo with regionally native animals like deer, fox, llamas, cows, goat, etc. Admission is free during their Festival of Lights and tree sale! So, we spent a few minutes looking at the animals before our family's tree expert (Jason) picked us out a beautiful 8 foot tall Frasier fir.
Then, we rushed home for lunch and to meet our holiday guests. Ryan and Steve spent the afternoon and evening with us baking Grandma Leona's favorites: peppernuts and popcorn balls! We made two versions of the cookies and had a mini drama with the sauce for the popcorn balls being too runny. (Don't worry, Dad, the second half of the batch was salvaged and awaits your arrival.)
Later, it took all three guys to wrestle the tree into its base and get it turned to the precise angle for decorating and display.
And finally, a beautifully decorated tree to charm the baby! Although I should note that this was on Sunday evening; Will went to bed before the tree was decorated on Saturday. 
