Tree Hunt 2019

Do you ever wake up with the suspicion that it is going to be a very long day?  That was me this morning upon receiving Alistair's wake up call at 4:00 am.  Coffee and advent calendar chocolate at 4:15 am.  Don't judge me.  I needed it.

Once everyone was up and the farm chores were done, we were off to MacGowan's Tree Farm in Kinburn to go Christmas Tree Hunting.

Seamus is sporting his special tree hunting goggles so he does not get pine needles in his eyes.

The big boys helped Daddy saw down the perfect tree.

They are all very proud of themselves. 
The tree did not stand a chance against these expert hunters.

Alistair is not sure why this whole tree hunting thing has to be right during his nap time.

The big boys warmed up by the bonfire after indulging in some post-hunt fare: hot chocolate and sugar cookies.

Alistair had his first taste of sugar cookie.
Looks like a winner!
Maybe nap time is overrated?

Papa set up the tree and the boys helped him unwrap it.

Ta da!

Now to barricade it so Alistair cannot get to it.

The tree had been in the house for less than 5 minutes when Alistair found a rogue pine needle, stuffed it in his mouth and then barfed it back up.  Sigh. 
It is going to be a long three weeks of chasing rogue pine needles. 
I might need to buy a better broom.

The big boys were devastated that we were not going to decorate the tree immediately upon getting it set up.  We explained that the tree had to "thaw out" before we could string lights and decorate.  Really, it is Mama who needs to "thaw" - by this point I was exhausted bordering on grumpy. 

Time for everyone to go to bed so I can climb into my bed too.  The tree, as beautiful as it might be, will just have to wait until I get a good night's sleep.  If it could try to drop as few needles as possible in the meantime, I would very much appreciate it.