O-Christmas Tree! O-Christmas Tree!

We decided to follow a desire of Jestin's he's had since we first got married. We went to go get a live tree for Christmas...

The kids enjoyed looking - but Mom was not lovin' the price for something that is going to drop needles in a few short weeks! Bah Humbug on that!

They found many to choose from...

Cam loved this one!

And so Caleb loved a different one

(All Mom could think was Ack! pine pitch! ugh!)

After much debate and financial reality discussion - we agreed on this small one to put in the family room - and the big fake one will go back in the livingroom - and from now on Mom votes the fake one that's 10 years old and a pine scented candle! *wink* LOL!

So we headed home and put up the trees!

Caleb didn't care which order the branches went in - he just loved the "work"

Cody was my little lights helper, Emma ran the camera,

and Cam and Caleb were sorting and assembly!

(Dad was lost in Truck repair this year :( )

The next day we did one of our favorite traditions!

New Ornaments for everyone!

Caleb got Lighting McQueen since he "met" him this year! We are going to add a photo of the real deal in the white area at some point this season! (I hope...)

Emma's is a sewing machine that says "you sew girl!" - in honor of her ribbons won at the county and State fair for her 4H pillowcase.

Cam's is a cute snowball playing basball. He LOVED T-ball this year!

And Bubba's is a fish! "Catfish Cody" had to have a fish! Learning his favorite hobby was a highlight this year for him!

G'ma Annie got the family a Mickey Mouse Eared 2008 Ornament!

And Dad and Mom got a new Ornament from the M&M store in Las Vegas - Green M&Ms have always had special meaning at our house! *GRIN*

It was Emma's year to add the star to finish it all off - and I gulped back tears as I realized she will be going on 16 next time she is up for this opportunity! Holy Smokes!

They spent forever under the tree "counting lights" and playing games - and as I watched them I thought of last year, and the bout with pink eye after putting up the tree last year, and the crapiest ambulance ride to the hospital run of all time - and I was awash with gratitude! We are doing so well this year... I feel so blessed beyond measure!