Елка

One of my favorite Christmas memories from growing up is when we would go to the Mule Tree Farm and cut down our own tree. Then afterwards, while my dad was paying and helping wrap up the tree, we'd have hot chocolate and candy canes in the little shop.

This year was the first time since we've been married that we've lived somewhere that doesn't ban live Christmas trees. I dislike fake Christmas trees and we only own one because it's better than nothing.  For the past year I've been talking about cutting down our own tree, even though we won't actually be spending Christmas here (because Geoff is coming home from his mission!!!). Luckily I have a husband who likes to indulge me.

So the day after Thanksgiving, we drove with visiting family (my parents and brother, Ben's sister and brother-in-law, plus Ben's brother and his family from Canton) about an hour north to a cider mill/tree farm and picked out a beauty that Ben cut down all by himself.  This place was quite large and very efficient. We were pulled around by a tractor and they hauled our tree back for us. Ben's favorite part was probably watching them shake out the needles and wrap the tree up. 

I enjoyed the cider and stuffing my face with doughnuts, which have been a craving of mine that I haven't indulged (I tend to get a sweet tooth during pregnancies, and I swear I'd be happy eating nothing but sugar for the next few months. Happy and large).

We decorated our tree this weekend, after all of our visiting family left. In other words, Ben put up the tree and helped me with the lights and then I put on the decorations while he guided from the couch. Everyone has their traditions. 

Henry loves the tree, especially the lights. We're teaching him to call it a елка, pronounced "yolka," which is Russian for Christmas tree. His favorite ornament is the one pictured below. I explained to him who it is, so now he runs up to it and yells, "Dad!" and giggles. I giggle too, but for different reasons. Just look at that face.