Maybe Charlie Brown was on to something.....

So, the Estey bunch went up the mountain today to cut down our very own fresh Christmas tree..... We finally pulled off the road in an area loaded with trees to choose from, barely any snow on the ground, but of course everyone in the family thinks they see the 'perfect' tree at the bottom of the ravine (not a huge steep one, it's ok) so, down the hill we go.... and off in 11 different directions with our explorations. Then I saw it. The tree we HAD to have.... except I had to cross a small stream to get to it. No big deal, lots of rocks and ice.... no problem, except the big nice flat rock I stepped on was apparently teetering on a smaller rock under it and in the stream I went, well, one leg a hand and the other foot. Ok, I think, I'm fine, we will get the tree quick and get home quick. I took off my soaking wet gloves and gave them to a panicked Dessa who though I might wash away or die I think. Then I finished crossing the stream, got to the 'perfect tree' and up close it isn't nearly so perfect.... but that was ok, because there was a really good one I hadn't noticed. The family gathered (from across the stream) and agreed that it was a good one. Kaleb, Nathan, and Frank joined me and we proceded to use 2 hand saws to saw down our tree (yes, I am counting that as PT for the day!) Tree comes down, we get it across the stream with no problems but coming up the other side helping to carry the tree, guess who finds the one area of swamp anywhere near??? Yep, that was me.... up above my already frozen foot to my ankle in icy mud! Then came the hill..... remember, the ravine that wasn't so big??? Well, when you are trying to carry the sharpest needled tree in the forrest up a steep incline suddenly that little hill became ENORMOUS! So, there is Kaleb pushing the trunk up the hill, Frank and I standing on the road pulling the tree up the hill...... whew, that was hard work! So we loaded the tree in the truck and headed down the canyon, the heat blowing on my icy feet so hot that everyone else had to role the windows down...... feel the burn! Yep, I know why wilderness survival people tell you first thing is to get the wet stuff off first hand. Hours later and my feet are STILL cold..... but I do have feeling and no frostbite, so I am thankful for small favors from God! Lesson learned today? The little wimpy 'Charlie Brown' trees standing right on the edge of the road might not be such a bad idea next year...... Tinsel and garland were invented for that right? To cover up all the bare spots of a Christmas tree with character? Yep, next year we are going for unique originality.... it will create character for our tree and give us more of a decorating challenge right???? I love our family adventures! We never ever have a dull moment!