This year we decided to cut our own Christmas tree since we discovered there's a family tree farm just two towns over! So last Sunday morning we borrowed a truck and drove to Hummer Tree Farm while it snowed light fluffy flakes... the perfect weather to usher in the official start of our Christmas season! The red tractor marked the entrance (Photo op!!!)....
... then just a couple yards until we saw this view of the tree farm.
So we picked a patch of trees and starting looking. We thought this would be easy but it was hard to choose just one when they all look so beautiful lined up together!
Once a boyscout, always a boyscout... talk about being prepared!! This one didn't make the "cut" though (ah ha haha... I crack myself up!)
"What about this one?" Ok ok... we got a little distracted by our favorite Charlie Brown trees... although they need a home, we think they'll be a little better in a few years - we learned that it takes about 12 years to grow your xmas tree.
I found it - this one!! What about this one?!
It passed the snow check! (Some trees didn't look as nicely shaped once we shook the snow off!)
Alright - time to cut!
Woo Hoo... you're coming home with us! Now we just have to drag it back to the truck!
Here's my hat so far. I decided to try the crochet version since I can really use the practice on that front. 
Brian got a chocolate frog!
And there were a few duplicate gifts... all of which was a great source of laughter for the whole gang.
And Stacy loved her chocolate Obama likeness! (We knew she would!!)
Shelly with a beautiful new necklace.
Shelly, Brian, and Mel with handcrocheted blankets - perfect for watching movies on the couch!
Mom with gifts from her elves! 
Mel's grandparents with a gift from Shelly
And how could I forget to take a photo of Mom's homemade cinnamon rolls?!? It's a Christmas morning tradition!
Brian got a Mandrake plant (and the earplugs to block out it's dangerous screams)....it's a Potter thing.
It's tricky to do since the paint colors are so muted when you paint them on. We had to keep reminding ourselves that they'd look much more vibrant once fired!
Here we are with our finished pieces (before firing).
Our Christmas tree, decorated.
Now I'm back to wrapping.... my favorite part of gifts!! :)
We had a wonderful visit from Kim and her boyfriend Jake today, which was great since we don't see each other much due to the three hour drive between us. I got to talk scrapbooking, get ideas for Europe, etc while Brian had someone to talk/watch football with! Perfect match! And then of course we took them to the Gelato Fiasco (where we take everyone we like!). 
... then just a couple yards until we saw this view of the tree farm.
So we picked a patch of trees and starting looking. We thought this would be easy but it was hard to choose just one when they all look so beautiful lined up together!
Once a boyscout, always a boyscout... talk about being prepared!! This one didn't make the "cut" though (ah ha haha... I crack myself up!)
"What about this one?" Ok ok... we got a little distracted by our favorite Charlie Brown trees... although they need a home, we think they'll be a little better in a few years - we learned that it takes about 12 years to grow your xmas tree.
I found it - this one!! What about this one?!
It passed the snow check! (Some trees didn't look as nicely shaped once we shook the snow off!)
Alright - time to cut!
Woo Hoo... you're coming home with us! Now we just have to drag it back to the truck!
