A-hunting we will go

We're a Christmas tree-choppin' family. It hasn't always been that way-- Amwilli grew up with "forever" trees, and my family usually picked ours up from a tree lot. It's nice to have this tradition to share with each other...  

...and the Teeb. 

This is our fourth year and she still gets pretty darn excited when we pull up to Gaver Tree Farm. There's a lot of whining and pacing (which isn't too cute and we always spend the first couple minutes trying to chill her out). We think she can smell the other dogs, but who really knows for sure? 

Our journey starts at the hastily written, yet charming white board sign. Our go-to is usually the good ole Douglas Fir-- firm and unprickly needles, perfect for all sorts of ornaments.

It's a sea of trees! Decisions, decisions. 

Could this be the one? Nope. Too bare on the top. 

Ohh... this one had a little surprise: a bird's nest. For some reason we decided that was the piece of criteria that put it over the top. 

It didn't take long for that sucker to fall... and guess who had her little eyes trained on the guy holding the saw?

Tree meets cart. 

I foolishly decided to get a little piece of the stump to start a set of DIY ornaments I spied on Pinterest (they should really just call it "Obsession," but maybe Calvin Klein has the trademark on that). Anyhoo-- my foray into lumberjacking didn't go so well, but I got my piece, so I'm happy. 

And away we go... well, away he goes...

At some point, the mister thought it'd be a great idea for the pooch to get out some of that energy by helping to pull the cart. Genius! Next year, we're bringing her harness (don't worry, he's still doing most of the work). 

On the way back to the car, I made a new friend. 

After a stop at the shake machine to get all the dead/loose needles off, and a quick bailing, we were set.

Who doesn't love a big, strong man?

She's got no complaints! 

Stay tuned for decorations... Happy December!