O Christmas tree

For years, one of my family's most enduring holiday traditions was a family trip to the local garden shop to pick out a Christmas tree.

Now the kids are grown and gone. Seth decided we needed a new tradition. He bought a permit to cut down a high country tree, so about a week ago, we put Piper in the van and headed up into the mountains. Our first stop was Zoka's Restaurant and Bar, a dog friendly eatery in Pine Junction.

We had a nice meal on the deck.

Then it was back into the car, in search of a tree.

Seth missed a turn, and instead of doubling back, he pressed on and on and on until we found ourselves on a scary dirt road with no trees in sight.

Eventually, we turned around, but our luck didn't change...

At least not until we saw the horses.

I always brake for horses.

After our little horsey pitstop, we found our way back to the road we'd meant to take in the first place. We parked, gathered our tools and set forth to find a Christmas tree.

We walked and walked.

Most of the trees were really big or really small.

Finally, we found one that was just right.

Seth cut it down and wrapped it in a drop cloth. 

We were prepared to drag it back to the van, but it was light enough that wasn't necessary.

Here it is set up, but not yet decorated, in our living room. It definitely has a Charlie Brown vibe, but I really like it.

I also like our new family Christmas tree tradition. It's not the same, but it's still good.