Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree...

having a happy holiday! To start our countdown to Christmas we always decorate the house together. This year, Daniel and I decided we wanted to cut down our own tree. So we loaded up and headed out to the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm...

The kids were amped and didn't even care that it was freezing!!!

Zoe and Kason ran around until they snagged their favorite pick...

While Daniel did most of the cutting, he did have a little elf friend who couldn't help but put his muscles to work :)...

Sweet Max just tried to stay warm while watching the magic unfold!

We took turns dragging our tree back to the car...

even though this momma ended up being the winner for hauling it the longest :). There was a small petting the zoo the kids could play with the animals while Dad loaded the swagger wagon...eeek!

 Since it was too late by the time we got home to do any decorating, the countdown continued the next night as we put on our favorite Christmas tunes and rocked around the Christmas tree!

 Daniel put on the lights and I did the garland, but we let the kids enjoy putting on the ornaments themselves...

 Kason just loved every minute...

 I had so much fun sitting back and watching the fun! I smiled at the singing, the smiles, the excitement over each ornament and where to put it...

I will say, the tree seemed so small in the field, but is massive in our home...so much so, that I don't even have enough ornaments or filler to really make it look polished! Also, to answer the question that you are probably thinking...yes, the tree is crooked and leaning...the charms of having the real thing :). The third day of the countdown, I let Kason decorate the "man" tree in his room all by himself...

This is his favorite tree every year since all the ornaments have to do with backpacking, cycling, golfing, skiing, fishing...you know...all his favorites! (Side note: please excuse his closet, we bought a HUD home and the people took the kids' closet doors and we have yet to replace them.) Anyway, with the countdown underway...

our little Christmas elves are enjoying every minute of the Christmas spirit...and the fresh scent of the tree filling our home with glee!