Christmas Tree

Today, instead of immersing ourselves in the pit of commercialism and freneticism which is "Black Friday", we went with the children to a tree farm north of Becker, Minnesota to find a Christmas tree and to let the kids enjoy the petting zoo. On the way there, as we were passing through Monticello, Joel saw a man outside the car window and had this "conversation" with him:

--Hey, man, whatcha doing over there?
--Standing on the car?
--Being naughty?
--OK...

Ginger and I just laughed :o)

The tree farm had a nice variety of sizes and tree types. Both Ginger and I prefer fir trees with shorter needles and distinct branches. The kids were very well-behaved as we sought out a good tree.



We quickly found a nice fir tree about 5 feet tall. Jade cut it down and it "fell" on Joel and Ella (no harm done).



We then proceeded to the petting zoo. In a special area, the kids were able to see one of Santa's reindeer (Dancer!) The entire trip to the tree farm (about 40 minutes) had been filled with anticipatory discussion amongst the little ones about how they were going to see a reindeer!



All the children were very brave, and each took the chance to pet the small cows, sheep, and goats which were in the enclosure. Grace was very brave (compared to previous animal encounters), while Joel and Ella were their normal courageous selves.



Joel was the first one to enter the enclosure; he set an example of bravery for his sisters.


Ella is telling Grace all about the brown cow while the Boy patrols the area

* * * Family Photos - 2011 * * *

Several weeks ago, we went as a family to have pictures taken at Nine Mile Creek Park in Bloomington, MN. Although the lighting was not as nice as last year (we went in the morning this year, whereas our photos last year were taken in the afternoon), the pictures did turn out well.





Ginger embroidered the girls' names on their shirts to provide clarity for those who do not have the gift of discernment :o)