well… third year in a row. you know what that means, folks. this is a tradition and don’t even try to tell me otherwise.
so, here you have it, our hunt christmas extravaganza. as i got this post ready, of course i had to go back and browse the other two years and gosh, these kids have grown. it’s pretty crazy. parker was in an infant car seat the first time, and lindsey has gone through, i’m pretty sure, three or four pairs of shoes since the vans she’s wearing the first year. and at least one pair of glasses! i say “kids have grown” all la-di-da here but it catches in my throat a little when i look back on those pictures. when i look back on any pictures. i’m working on celebrating the passage of time more than mourning it. tis my 2014 resolution! that and drink more water!
anyway, we began at, where else, our favorite bagel shop. french toast bagels and cream cheese all around and, duh, coffee for the grown ups. so, once equipped with some of that goodness in our bellies, off we went to venture into the wild (you read that hear ye sign, right?) in the quest for the perfect tree. parker was thrilled with a tractor ride (pronounced “ca-ca! ca-caaaa!”) and i was thrilled that there was some snow on the ground–it had arrived overnight! we spotted it, the tree, did the whole 360 up-and-down thing and declared it the one. william cut it down with absolutely no help from steve this year, and lindsey dragged it much of the way back to the tractor. me? i took pictures and corralled parker.
once home, we readied the house for the christmas season and things look pretty nice around here. lights and santas and a gingerbread house too. i like this season a lot.
p.s. oh! and anyone have a link for their favorite tree skirt? we’ve never really had one we like and this year i’m actually using an ikea blanket. :-
becomingjolie.com says
Sounds like a perfect day. Parker's boots are killing me.
Alex Hubbard says
This is beautiful. I can't wait for the day when our little family can go out and get a tree just like your not-so-little family. And ZOMG have they grown! Shoot!
Julia says
I had never been able to find a tree skirt I liked either and then last year on a whim I busted out the hot glue gun (classy!) and made my own with burlap and white bobble trim. Super easy (I didn't follow a pattern…made it up as I went), and I love love love it. http://instagram.com/p/StVNlBIKfI/
bridget says
bobble trim! i love that!
Kimberly says
I am in love with my tree skirt. I made it but it was easy (hot glue!) Here is the pic of my tree http://olivethethings.blogspot.com/2012/11/ornament-swap.html
And the details about how to make it are on my long lost design blog http://designsaltinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-christmas-stockings-and-ruffle-tree.html
What a sweet tradition! My kids are still so little and I need to start forming these little traditions now. 🙂
bridget says
so cool, go kimberly!
(not sure i'm as talented/crafty though…)
Meg G says
no tree skirt, we put our tree/tree stand in a galvanized tub…oh so rustic
bridget says
ooh! i do like that idea too.
Lyndsay says
Such a sweet family tradition to cut down your own tree, I've always wanted to do that. It looks like a perfect day.
Liz/happymommy says
What lovely pictures of a super fun tradition!!! Those kids sure have grown….love reading about the "Hunt Christmas Extravaganza"! The picture of you and Steve and P and L…LOVE and the one of just P standing there in the trees, well where did your baby go….he looks way to grown up…tear!
bridget says
tear is right… 🙁
Vaida @ Dont Tell Anyone says
Great photos of yours, guys! you all look just perfect together! 🙂
And William is a very handsome boy!
Unknown says
which tree farm did you go to? we were up at a little farm in w. newbury this weekend and we found a great tree — but my son will LOVE the tractor next year…..
no advice on tree skirt. I think I get a different one every few years and I'm just never happy with any of them!
bridget says
shoot me an email!
Robyn says
Me too! It's my favourite season!
Somewhere In Between says
I use a blanket too! I am too cheap to buy an actual skirt!
Elena F says
I'm a little jealous! The first floor of our townhouse is shaped so awkwardly that we do not have a space to put a real tree up. And even if we did, I'm pretty sure that twins will join their collective efforts in order to flip it top down on the first day 🙂 So, I'm gonna have to live vicariously through other's people pictures and stories…
bridget says
BUMMER! though, i will say, they had adoooorable mini frasier firs that i sort of wanted to fill every bedroom with. i refrained 🙂
claire - this little house says
Yay to family christmas traditions! As for tree skirts never found a nice one myself either. I, instead, wrap fake presents (yep fake!) and put them around the base so you can't see it. Perfect for before you've got actual presents to out under it and for after christmas when they're all gone.
Dina Farmer says
Beautiful imagery!! I love it!
Jesse says
we're using our red ikea blanket as well:)
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/12/chick-magnet.html
Bugers n' Gelato says
I love your tradition! Starting one with your own family is nice. Here is our Christmas tree, though not as spectacular, still special 🙂 http://burgersgelato.blogspot.com/2013/12/oh-christmas-trees.html
Chelsea says
What a fun tradition! Picture perfect. We don't have a tree skirt either, drives me nuts now expensive they are for something you bring out once a year. Scrooge here. But, I did hunt around for a basket today to try this… http://inmyownstyle.com/2013/12/diy-basket-christmas-tree-skirt.html (I didn't find one yet, but I'm hitting up goodwill tomorrow for one last look). Crossing my fingers.
bridget says
oh i love that. (also, that galvanized tub comment up above too)
blm says
as always, the sweetest pictures and the sweetest fam!
Lara Graham says
Your coat. I love your coat. I'm in desperate need of something warm and long.
Michelle {lovely little things} says
I love the cutting down the tree tradition, one of my most favorite memories of Christmas!