Oh Christmas Tree!

Today was Christmas tree day! I think I may have finally achieved a tree of such gorgeously massive proportions that next year I can start behaving like a more ordinary human being and finding one that doesn't take up the majority of my living room.  :)

We tried a new farm this year and it was great! This is the Bowlings' tree, which they found about 5 seconds out of the gate and it was a good one! We went through only THREE trees this year before settling on the *one*. The first tree we found was beautifully sculpted, but none of the branches stuck out any further than the others, and I wasn't sure how the ornaments would hang. The next one was just a *wee* bit too small.

  

But the third tree? PERFECTION. Absolutely massive, and perfectly shaped. Here we are "stealing" Uncle Eric. My kids love Uncle Eric!

This tree is SO big it literally broke the tree-wrapping machine! The farm had 3 really strong guys all working to haul it around and they were laughing so hard at how impossible it was to lift and carry. 

Caiden found the fireplace while the rest of us warmed up with cider and hot chocolate. Auntie Monster also brought along SUPER tasty homemade applesauce donuts which we shared with the tree-haulers. 

Ready for this beast to bust right out of it's wrappings!

  

Contemplating that last 6 inches on top....should it come off? Let me tell you, if it weren't for the Uncles there's no way this tree would have happened. :)

Uncle Eric gave it a go but we decided to leave well enough alone and rejoice in the happiness of having a tree so massive it can't even fit in the room with our 10-foot cathedral ceilings! Uncle Alex says we should just shove the angel on up there upside down/sideways and enjoy the laughs. :)

   

HOW did he get this much mud on his FACE? I have no idea....but their car seats are even worse!

And of course, even with the fancy tree-shaking machine at the farm, the obligatory pest invasion. Looks like that machine was good for something though! We only have a *few* spiders in the mix of what seems to be mostly aphids.

We didn't finish decorating tonight, but we got the lights on and got a start on the ornaments. I'll try to remember to post a picture when the whole tree is done!