Choppin' down the tree

Last Saturday, we went with some friends to cut down our own tree. We've never done that before so it was a fun adventure! And the weather cooperated. So after exploring a little, the boys found a tree they liked.

Will measured (very scientific method) to see if it would fit. I prefer tall trees, but we have a short ceiling in the area of our living room where we put our tree so we usually end up cutting off a portion at the bottom.

Here is Will and the boys with his "man tool". This is a funny story because right before we left, Will borrowed this from a guy at church. I'm immediatley thinking its a bad idea. Will has a "history" with power tools that has sometimes ended in a trip to the ER. Plus, Im concerned about kids running around, and a battery operated thing with a large blade. I know, Im the overprotective one. Especially when we got there and I'm watching other kids there run around the tree farm with saws in their hands.

Well we managed to escape injury with the tools, but then the battery was dead on the tool, or at least not charged enough to be an effective weapon. So, Will used the hand saw instead. I think he was bummed. :-)

Evidence of the fallen tree..... and Im including this photo with Zach because shortly after this photo Zach and the other boys all ran off playing hide and seek. True, it was a great place to play with all the rows and rows of trees. But after a little while, it was time to go and Zach was still in "hide" mode and we were all "seeking". And yelling his name. And calling for him. No Zach. So, while I panic ....again..... Tyler reminds me of when he got lost at Epcot 2 years ago and I start to pray. Will goes looking and finds Zach hiding in a tree, super proud of himself that he found such a good hiding place!

Then we got lunch- had snacks- hot cocoa. It was really fun. The kids even got to play on some playgroud equipment.

Just as we left- Tyler ran through a corn maze, got COVERED with mud. Then, just as we are getting home Will and I are having a conversation in the car about where the saws-all is that he had borrowed. It went something like this:

"Didn't YOU put it in the car?"

"No, didn't YOU put it in the car?"

"No! I thought you did."

So, we got home thinking Will would have to turn around and drive back. I'm meanwhile thinking this trip just turned into a Home Depot $200 expense. But, thankfully we did find the tool in the trunk. Not quite sure how it got there!

We had a great afternoon decorating the tree. And the finished product: