One of my favorite traditions is going to the Christmas tree farm, and choosing out a tree. John’s favorite is driving up to the mountains, then trekking through the snow to find a tree there. So: we made a compromise, and did both! Ha!
Yesterday we packed fire wood, hot cocoa, a propane stove, and bundled up all our kids to head down Old Indian Drive into the snowy mountains. The kids got busy sledding and exploring as soon as we arrived. I don’t love being in the snow, but it was a delight to be there watching the kids love it so much. We went with our friends, the Rices, so each of our boys had a friend their age. Cate was at a basketball tournament in Portland for her high school.
It took some hunting, but John and I were able hike out and find a tree for our bedroom.
It really was such a delightful Christmas memory. What is a Christmas without snow?? The kids sledded, had snow ball fights, made snow forts, found a rabbit’s den, made snowmen and ventured into the snowy woods as fearless explorers. Emma, puffy and stuff like a starfish from all her gear, was mesmerized by the snow and excitement. Then, after a little too much snow to the face: she wasn’t excited and got miserable pretty fast, but became content once her and Lorraine found a bag of marshmallows to sneak and share. Emma crashed as soon as we started our drive home.
I felt so grateful for John for prioritizing this tradition. We’ve hunted the mountains for a tree throughout our marriage and it makes me happy that our kids could experience it again this year.
We came home and got busy with Saturday demands. I signed up to make rolls and a dessert for the ward party. John helped a friend move and had a few bags of cans him and Johnny turned into a bottle drop. Our laundry was getting out of control, as well as my and John’s closet so I got to work there. The younger boys helped me clean while Emma watched “Frosty the Snowman.”
We all made it to the ward party in time to help prep food and finish the set up. The youth were in charge and John and o both serve in the youth so it was an all hands on deck in our house. It was a lovely evening and it’s always nice to spend time with friends we go to church with. I performed a song with the Young Women, and Johnny did a silly dance with the younger Young Men’s class. Bishop Fryer told the story of silent night then played his guitar and sang it in German. It was so fun. Our kids ran around with their friends, and I hardly saw Emma. Older kids had her entertained the entire time. For the hour we stayed and cleaned, I could see Emma pushing her grocery cart like the most determined shopper you ever did see. She just speed walked that cart in circles around the church building, waving at me, but not stopping. Cate arrived later in the party after her bus got home from the basketball tournament. Her friend, Ellie, is also on the JV team this year and they both looked so happy to be home, and it made me smile. They definitely looked like basketball players, with the height! They have been friends since 4th and 3rd grade and have grown up so much!
We closed the night spending time at our friends house. Oh what a Saturday in December!!
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