Christmas tree adventure

Getting a tree has been one of my favorite things to do since living in Montana... we get a $5 permit, head into the woods, and pick a good one (Tyler does the picking!). And the kids usually have a great time. This year we went during nap time and when it was like 10 degrees, so the kids and I stayed in the car! Tyler looked around in a couple different spots, and we decided to keep driving... until we saw the tree. This one happened to have a red balloon tied to it, saying "Pick me, pick me!" It was a great looking tree, and we decided to take it. I know what you are thinking, someone had marked that tree to come back for later... well, finders keepers, I guess. Tyler ended up tying the balloon onto the tree next to it, which was a little scraggly, but what can you do, right?(do you see the drool in the pic above? Yeah, he was tired!)

We had a fun time, and the decorated tree looks awesome!(recognize the garland? We made that when Grammy was here.. a project out of Handmade Home by Amanda Soule)

Earlier that day, my friend Jill, and her family, watched Colton and Ayla so Tyler and I could have a little date. We decided to hike up Lone Pine, the State Park right in our backyard, and then we headed out to lunch at a local cafe. We had a great time, and will get to repay Jill and her family tomorrow by watching their 3 little ones. I hope they have a great time!

This last week, I hosted a cookie swap with 9 other fabulous women, and we had a great time. It turned out better than I expected, and I think (hope) everyone had a great time. I made some little giveaways so that I could show my friends how much I appreciate them.