Tonight was one of those rare occasions when the planets all align and everything is, for just a brief moment, simply pefection. I dream at night of things like this, and frankly, the dreams just never measure up to the real thing.
We had decided well in advance that we would not get a tree until my finals were over for the quarter and everyone was looking forward to this weekend when we could go out and get one. For once, everyone was planning the same thing with their time and were ready and waiting at the appointed time. Just after sunset, as we were all bundled up and headed out the door, a few snow flakes began to fall. Mason jumped in the driver's seat and we were off.
After trying at least 5 tree lots and farms last year at this time, we stumbled onto a small tree lot just on the corner of 124th St and Avondale Rd. on the other side of Education Hill. Last year, our considerable efforts were not feeling successful at all until we found this little spot. After hours of looking and looking at overpriced and really ,basically, ugly trees, we found our ideal tree about 3 minutes after we got out of the car and for far less than the other places we had visited. The guy who ran it was nice and the tree was gorgeous, so we decided to make a B-line there.
Christmas music on the radio, snow falling outside and everyone chatting and singing along to the carols playing on the radio, it seemed to me that we arrived at our destination far too quickly. That would prove to be the only disappointment of the day. The snow was falling harder and faster every minute. We found that we had the tree lot to ourselves. The friendly proprieter had an open fire and passed out small candy canes when he heard that this was Pim's 1st ever snow. The pungent frangrance of pine, along with laughter and smiles permeated the crisp air as we all spread out to find the perfect tree. It was magical. Just the kind of day I wish I could have with my family every day of my life.
It's such a blessing to be a family and share this life with those we love.
