Candy Cane Hill 2011

A couple of weekends ago, we made our twelfth annual trek to Jones Tree Farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.  When it comes to Christmas trees, our family is neatly divided: Emily and Lee would like to just cut down the first tree they lays eyes on, while Elizabeth and I are constantly in search of the tallest, fattest tree that we think will fit in our house.  While we didn't quite get a small tree this year, it is not biggest tree that we've had, not by a long shot.  Elizabeth was so disapppointed that she cried when she saw it in the stand.

Heading for the South Pole, the very outer limits of Jones Tree Farm. 

You know that you've reached the South Pole when you see the giant penguin. 

Our tree. 

Over the years, we've become wise and instead of carrying the tree to the baler, we drag it on a tarp. 

The girls with Frosty. 

Elizabeth is Santa and Emily is the elf. 

The mostly-decorated tree. 

I'm trying to start a tradition where either the family - or each of us individually - get a special tree each year.  This year, I picked out a family ornament.

The annual pewter ornament from Jones - we have 12 of these now. 

We buy an ornament whenever we take a trip or go someplace unusual - this is our Disney ornament. 

The lack of snow makes the rest of our decorating seem ordinary, but I really love the way the dining room looks, especially the hutch.