Oh Christmas Tree!

We have a tradition in my dad's family that every year we all get together and go out in search of the PERFECT Christmas tree. We are, what you may call, Christmas tree snobs in our family. The tree cant be too short, or too skinny, or too bare, it has to be just right...or should I say PERFECT! This year we met at Dad's house Saturday morning for waffles before heading out for the great hunt.

It was FREEZING, literally, this weekend in our neck of the woods. Despite the cold, we had a great time. We did however miss Heather in Florida, Devon in Tennessee, Diana in New York, and Danny in heaven along with their families! Looking forward to seeing them all soon!

There was a little dusting of snow the night before.

The walking got to be too much for the little guy....okay, that's a lie...truth: mommy (me) got tired of telling Ryder to stay out of the mud and stop eating the dirt/snow. Uncle Bryan was nice enough to let him hitch a ride. Though, as you can see, Ryder was less than thrilled.

Santa's little helper. He insisted on wearing this hat all weekend....he even slept in it!

We found it! The perfect tree!!

My little brother Bryan and me in dad's new truck.

We have a lot of little traditions we do at Christmas time. For example, every year before decorating the tree we have Chinese food. We LOVE Chinese food in our family and this is our little way of paying homage to The Christmas Story. (you know, fr-ra-ra-ra-ra-raw-ra-ra-ra)

Dad and Bryan putting the tree up!

Decorating the tree...

He's so proud!

Yeah, he's kinda cute...I'm kinda fond of him....

Such a beautiful tree!

Animal cruelty.

Santa and his reindeer.

Ryder the cutest lil' Reindeer.