Christmas Trees, Fires, Shooting...oh my!

We went out this last weekend to get our Christmas tree...an annual tradition. Both Jason and I grew up going out into the woods to cut down a tree. Although...in high school, my parents did turn more often to the lots, if I remember right!

We still love going out, playing in the woods and looking for that "perfect" tree. Saiah makes it even more fun as she has much excitement and anticipation for the event. This year seemed a bit different as there was absolutely NO snow on the ground. It did make it nice to be able to drive around anywhere we wanted to in the mighty woods, but still...the snow does add a fun factor.

We ended up finally finding a spot with relatively few people. There were SOOO many people out getting trees this year. Not sure if it was because gas is so cheap...thank you Lord!...or the weather was nice, but it was craziness. It didn't take too long to find one we liked...a silver tip...we think. Perfect size and shape. Hopefully, this one will not stink up the entire house like last years tree did. We had to take down last years just days after we put it up. It was the most horrible smell...like rotten broccoli and pee. And, we ended up getting one at a tree farm. It was a nice tree, but still...a funny experience indeed. We are on day two, and so far...smells just fine.

After falling the tree...all 7 feet of it, we sat by a fire and did some target practice. Saiah is getting pretty good holding up the 22 on her own and shooting the target. She really enjoys it and it's fun to watch her. Jason is an excellent gun safety teacher as well.

After the tree, fire and fun, Saiah drove us on out of the woods. Jason gives her driving lessons on their hunting trips and she is getting pretty good! Of course, Jason does the gas and brake, but Saiah's ability to steer around things is impressive, and at times a bit nerve wracking!

All in all...a good Christmas Tree year. We keep reminding ourselves in all these traditions, that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, God's perfect gift to us. It's so easy to go through all the motions and forget the amazing love God has for us.

As Long As There's Christmas

Saiah had her final ballet performances this last weekend. It was bittersweet. I really enjoy watching Saiah in ballet. She does a fairly good job with it and is improving with each session. It's also so nice to see her do something girly too!! Saiah has decided to not pursue ballet, at least this point in life, so this performance may very well be her final hurah in dance. It was fun while it lasted...I'm sure we're off to do basketball, softball, football, or heck..wrestling. Just kidding on the last one...or two.

The girls did a great job and looked beautiful, of course. They danced to "As Long As There's Christmas" from the Beauty and the Beast Christmas movie. Those of you who have princess girls may very well know this movie..we don't own a single Princess item in this household! When Miss Diana announced to the girls they'd be dancing to this song, there was a gleeful chorus of "yays" and clapping except for one girl, who stood there rolling her eyes. Yep, my daughter. She's so not into Princesses. But, she managed to learn the routine week after week listening to the song.

They did a few performances, and unfortunately, the best recording I was able to get, was of the one they did for The Festival of Treesl. The sounds not so good, but I got a good view of Saiah.

Saiah with Miss Diana

The girls at The Festival of Tress performance

Saiah with Grandma at the Waterford performance