C.Y.O.T.

Cut your own tree, that is. At the St. Joseph Tree Farm. We all bundled up, long underwear and snow pants (for those who had it) and all, and traversed out to the tree farm. We went last year, and it was fun, so we decided to do it again. When you come in they give you a map of sorts that shows what types of trees are where, how tall said trees are, give or take, and how much they cost. It was snowy and cold, but not bad at all. We trekked out towards the back of the property where the trees we wanted were, and PJ and the kids searched for the perfect one. A bit taller than I am was the ideal height, as it goes up onto the table for the train to go around. As we were heading back, I was unnerved by the sounds of gunfire. When I mentioned it to PJ, mostly for verification that I am not insane, he didn't seem concerned which unnerved me a bit more. But then the perfect tree was found, and the sawzall took it down with moderate convenience, so the gunfire was soon forgotten. (Most likely a hunter, but still, a little too close for comfort for my taste.) We were lucky that the farm has a tractor with a couple of "cars" attached- you can ride and the rear one can hold the trees. So it was us and another family with a little girl about Ava's age and a total wee one. We all climbed aboard, which thrilled the kids to no end, and hitched a ride back to the barn, where we offloaded. They tumble the trees to get loose needles out, then bundle them for easier transport. While that was going on, we headed into the barn (where they had the most beeeeautiful wreaths for sale) and sipped hot cocoa to help warm us up. Soon enough, the tree was ready. PJ loaded the tree into the car while I loaded the children, and we were off towards the old homestead. Heading the opposite direction of the gunshots. Whew! It was getting late, so that night all we got accomplished were the lights and the train, but once the train got moving, the ornaments were quickly forgotten, and the kids were okay with waiting till Monday as long as they could make that train go around the tree.