The gathering + today's photo

Today was the annual Buxton family mountain Christmas tree gather.

This year, for the first time, everyone was able to come. We crowded into the minivan and headed up the mountain.

We stopped at the trailhead parking lot to use the facilities and saw a group of riders dressed in Christmas finery.

Of course, I grabbed my camera and took some pictures.

An auspicious beginning.

After that, we got back in the van, drove just a little farther and parked.

Then we started walking.

We walked and walked.

I took lots of pictures.

It's not often that I spend a day with both my sons.

I made the most of the opportunity.

We headed higher and higher up the mountain.

Eventually, we were rewarded with some amazing views.

This is why people move to Colorado.

So beautiful!

At this point, it wasn't just me. Everyone had their cameras out.

On the way back, we found not one but two perfect Christmas trees.

Mission accomplished.

We capped off our good day with a meal at one of our favorite mountain eateries.

Normally, this would be the end of the post, but I have a couple more pictures to share. Today's prompt for the Advent Model Horse Photo Challenge is Appaloosa. I planned accordingly and had a spotted friend nestled safely in my backpack. While the rest of my group was looking for the perfect tree, I was on the hunt for a perfect rock.

This didn't work out as well as I'd hoped, but that's okay. Today was such a fun day. I wouldn't change a thing.

Fourteen down, eleven to go!