rockin around the christmas trees

after Tyler and I got married we were broke as ever. our first christmas was meager (as it should be) and we debated whether or not to buy a tree at all. we knew we couldn't really afford one, so we had written off the idea. one day while shopping we saw a beacon of light shining down on a scrawny little $19 fake christmas tree and we snatched it up before you could say "charlie brown". that little guy has been with us for the last 6 years and has served us well, but this year Tyler decided it was time for a change. did you hear that?! Tyler decided! be still my heart!

so off we went. Tyler really wanted to hack down a tree lumberjack style, but there aren't any tree farms near us. instead we found a cute little tree lot and started the hunt.

Santa showed up at one point with candy canes for the kids. i'm slightly uncomfortable (read: super creeped out) with santa clause impersonators in general. as a mom, i'm trying not to pass down my insecurities on to Roo, but it looks like she's already terrified by santa on her own. she was trying so hard to get away from him, but still stay in my arms (the safe zone) which makes her nearly impossible to hold on to. in this picture i was trying not to drop Ruby, and fighting the urge to run away at the same time. you can't really tell, but this santa was particularly disheveled with a yellowish beard and weird BO. also, he was awkwardly rubbing my back the whole time. you would've been uncomfortable too! this is my "i can't cry, so i'll laugh awkwardly instead" face.

i laughed so hard at this picture of Tyler holding that big measuring stick. just look at that giddy face. he loved it

they made up for the creepy santa experience with reindeer! they were so... majestic! and not shy AT ALL. this picture was taken about 2 seconds before Ruby was yanked away from the fence. that fury beast walked right up to her and clanked his huge antlers all over the gate. 

we scoured that lot and come home with a true beauty. she's a 6 foot "noble fir" (or at least that's what the tag said). she may not be much to some people, but we love her and she smells amazing!

we're so happy to finally have a real tree! now we just have to name and decorate her.