Christmas Tree Hunting

Two years ago, Jerry and I started a tradition of driving up to the mountains with the kids to cut down our Christmas tree. I didn't actually go with him, because Lily was only 2, but he took the other five and they all had a blast. Well due to financial issues and timing last year, we weren't able to go. So this year, we were finally able to continue our new tradition, with the whole family. This year, we drove down to Pickle Gulch, a camp ground in Idaho Springs for our tree. You go to the forestry office for a permit, which costs $10 and then they have a section of the forest you can go into and cut down your tree. It was a beautiful day. Not too cold, even though there was snow on the ground, and the sun was shining. We hiked around and finally found our tree - a nice 15 footer :) The kids and I sat back and watched as Nate and Jerry did the honors, and then everyone took turns helping drag it back down the hillside to the parking lot. Getting it on top of the van was an interesting challenge, but we did it! The kids had a great time and couldn't wait to get home and decorate it, which was part two of our adventuresome day. Jerry found himself in some precarious positions on the ladder trying to string lights and hang bulbs, but it turned out to be quite the masterpiece.