Photos from the Tree Hunt

Apparently, I never posted the exciting photos from this year's Christmas tree hunt-stravaganza. Sorry about that. Here you go...

Here we are, heading out to the deep, not-so-dark forest, filled with neatly planted trees, cart and saw in hand.

Finding just the right tree is always the challenge. Fortunately, this particular tree farm is filled with a lot of beautiful trees to choose from. Unfortunately, many of the most beautiful trees have already been tagged by other customers.
Our hunt for the nicest tree would be a lot easier if we did it in several steps. For example (just thinking out loud):
   Step One: Cut the tag off someone else's tree.
   Step Two: Cut down their tree and take it home.
   Step three (Optional): Before leaving, pick their tag of the ground (next to the now freshly cut stump) and put their tag on one of the reject trees.
I'm kidding, of course. We would never do something like that. Really. Never. (Even though it would probably save us some time.)

Anyway, back to our hunt for the perfect tree...

Here's a possibility. With my top-notch negotiating skills, we might even be able to scoop this fine specimen up for a hefty 5% discount. Easy to get home. Easy to get in the stand. Plus, the "pile" of presents sitting under it might look bigger by comparison.

Unfortunately, it's a little on the short side. Still, have to remember the location... just in case. (After all, we are talking about a possible 5% discount.)

Here's another possibility. Is this one tree or two? It appears to be two trees growing out of the same stump. Does this mean we're going to have to pay double? If so, scratch that! There seems to be a bit of a bare spot on it. Maybe we can turn that towards the wall...

More looking. More debating (about cutting off other people's tags). Just kidding (...though it is starting to get a little cold...).

Finally! A keeper! Sure, it's a little thin, but it's evenly thin. The only drawback I can see is that I might have to buy another tree stand. (I don't think mine cranks down that small.) However, this minor inconvenience would be more than offset by not having to vacuum up any more loose pine needles. Sold!

Here we are, back at home, dressing the little fella up. Looks almost normal.

And one final photo, getting the ornament. Just. Right.

So, there you go. A lot of fun - which fortunately, we were once again able to share in together. And, like every year (mostly), another beautiful tree.

(Though that 5% discount would have been pretty sweet.)