"The Jolliest Bunch Of A$$holes This Side Of The Nuthouse!"

I snark, but this past weekend was WONDERFUL! Christmas spirit, cheer and gratefulness abound. Braeden and I reprised our old family Christmas tradition of going to a tree farm for our Christmas tree. This was our first real tree in 3 years. We went with some of the SnoHos and their families. 

The girls and Braeden all piled into one car, and the rest of the boys rode in Dan's truck. 

I'd never been to the farm we chose, but I will definitely be back! It was magical. Yes, I am a bit of an exaggerator. But I mean it, this place was amazing. Bowen Tree Farm. There was an outdoor stone fireplace, beautiful wreaths, and a gift shop that glittered and sparkled from the rustic wood floors to the rafters. Hot cocoa, cider, and candy canes were offered. 

My boy and I

One of my besties, Nichole

My boy and I found our tree pretty quickly, and Nichole's hubby cut it down for us.

While everyone finished finding and cutting down their trees, a few of us hung out by the fire and took advantage of the photo opportunities, using my professional cameras.

Lisa and Carl

Dan and Nichole

Me and B.

Lisa and her son Kjell

Lisa and Nichole

Then we attempted a group shot.....

Someone is hiding.....

Almost! Got Kjell out from behind his mom, but we lost B.

NOPE. Lost one of the boys again.

*facepalm* Well. We tried. 

Lisa and Nichole

 

Afterward, we headed home. B and I had our tree delivered and set up by Dan and Carl. I appreciate my friends and their hubbies SO much for including us in things like this, and then helping us with set up. They're good eggs. :)

Dan blowing all of the grass, bugs and water off our tree. GENIUS!!

I'm so happy to have a real tree again. It just *feels* like Christmas. And we made such amazing memories with our friends.

That night, B and I picked up the kiddos I nanny, and took them to a Christmas light show at a house in town. They loved it! I definitely wiped the boy out though! 

On the way home

The next morning, our power went out again. Which was excellent timing, because it got me up and moving. I took B to see a sensory-friendly Santa Claus.

On our way back home, B nodded "yes" when I asked if he'd like to have a donut date with me.

 As soon as I opened it, B pulled a *classic B move* and sneezed directly into the box. Guess who got a full box of donuts all to himself? 

That was an amazing weekend. Saturday was 4 years since the life explosion, and I'm happy to report that it is no longer a date to dread and remember with sadness. We have a new life that is better in many ways. Making new memories and traditions has helped to heal my broken heart. I couldn't have asked for a better way to kick off our holiday season.