I know, you each have your own opinions. Well last year we bought a fake tree. It was fine, served it's purpose, was on sale, and of course we can use it again any time we want. But John and I both decided we kind of missed the thrill of the hunt! And really the SMELL of a real tree. Ahh... living in WA sure spoiled us, we only lived 5 minutes away from a tree farm back then!
But the good news: there are a few Christmas tree farms here in IA! They don't have exactly the same kinds of trees, but it's still fun hunting, and they smell wonderful! We chose a "fir", which look most like the "Douglas fir" kind we used to always choose when we lived back in WA. Here they don't charge by the foot, they charge by the kind of tree you choose, and of course the "fir" is most expensive- but it looks the best, so we did it.
The Christmas tree farm did not disappoint at all- and actually in some ways was even nicer than our experiences in WA! For starters the weather was amazing! Over 50 degrees, sunny and dry! That's unusual for IA, or WA. They let you cut your own tree-- which had me a little worried, but there are lots of helpers wandering the grounds, and as soon as we choose the best tree, someone showed up to help us cut it and carry it. Then they shake it- yes- literally they have a special machine to shake the tree- presumably to get all the loose needles and any other unwanted things out of the tree, they wrap it up, and even tie it on your car for you! Wow -now that's service!
PLUS they had a little "shack" you could go inside an buy pretty wreaths, or ornaments, eat free fresh baked cookies, sip hot cider, and even meet Santa! Outside, they had a nice big patio with a big fire pit and fire burning in it, and Christmas music playing. All the kids there that day enjoyed dancing and running around the patio, while eating their cookies!
We've found the perfect tree!
There's a better view of our tree before we cut it. Turns out it is the perfect height for our house, too!
John's helping hold the tree while a helper does the chopping.
Renee had a blast running all around!
It was hard to catch her holding still! Notice the bright sunshine, though- and no jacket at the end of November- wow!
These are the best pictures! Renee and Santa!
Happy Holidays!
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2 comments:
I didn't know you had a blog! I went through the same delima this year, real or fake. My mom gave me a fake one last year. It's prelit and doesn't require water-- very much pros for me. But...it's not real and I really miss having a real tree. Plus there were two really nice days where I was dying to go out to the tree farm. In the end, we decided it was best to conserve and put up the fake. The girls think it is BEAU-TI-FUL! They had a blast decorating it, and I've pretty much left it alone with most of the ornaments being on the bottom of the tree. :) Funny thing-- I laid down to watch tv with Michael after they went to bed the night before last and noticed that there is a hole right through the branches. I can see all the way through the tree to my window! Seriously, like a cannon shot through the thing! I know I need to "fluff" the branches to cover it, but it kind of gives me a chuckly when I look at it.
Sorry! Anastasia and her mom would be Marla!! We follow her classroom blog.
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