Oh, Christmas Tree!

Today was beautiful in MO so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed to the country to find our tree.

When we first started getting real trees, we were very picky. It took us so long to find the "perfect" tree. We finally realized that nature has its own idea of beauty and perfection isn't always a factor. Now, we try to find a tree that's full and green and at least one "good" side and that's just fine with us.

 

[caption id="attachment_4850" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Found it![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4851" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Resting[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4852" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Luke, 14[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4854" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Nolen Family 2018[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4853" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Brotherly Love[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4856" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Gabe, 11[/caption]

Taking the family picture was quite an adventure and I was grumpier than I'd like to admit. I didn't realize, until it was all set up, that I'm missing the connector plate to my tripod. I'd taken it off a couple months ago to put on my camera, but I guess it came unscrewed someplace. So, basically, I have a tripod, but it's completely unusable. Ben was able to use his phone, which has a fantastic camera, but STILL. Grrrr.

I did use my camera, fitted with my new lens, to get pictures of the boys. They are so grown up!

Here's our little tree all set up:

[caption id="attachment_4857" align="aligncenter" width="225"] All dressed up.[/caption]

Decorating the Christmas tree has become my favorite thing to do each year. I get to pull out all of the vacation ornaments and relive all of the amazing places we've experienced over the years. I love it!