Trimming the Tree

Putting up the Christmas tree is an annual activity that is a wonderful opportunity to recount childhood memories and to establish new traditions. From picking out the tree, to checking the lights, to recalling old stories with the hanging of every ornament, it's a fun tradition that we shared with our parents and now share with Owen. As we embarked on our first tree in the new house, Owen wanted to make sure it would fit. Here he is measuring things up in the garage after getting the tree home.

Working together, we then trimmed some of the extra branches to cut the tree down to size.

Brecken made an appearance in the garage to see what was going on and to confirm that we weren't trying to squeeze a 12 foot tree into our 9 foot ceiling living room.

Turning our attention to the decorations, Owen helped check all of the lights on the living room floor. For reference, local fire officials do not recommend plugging 5 strands of lights into one outlet as shown in this picture, but in this case it was ok, as Owen is a professional.

Owen was not very happy with me when I told him it was time to unplug the lights to put them on the tree. He was no longer willing to look at the camera.

Once the lights were successfully hung, it was time to hang the ornaments. Here is a quick shot of Owen, conveniently standing beneath his little sister with an ornament in hand.

Brecken helped Owen find the perfect spot on the tree for each ornament.

As the night drew to a close, the lights were turned down, and the tree was glowing for everyone to see. Thanks to aunt Barb, the outside of the house is also very nicely decorated.

Happy Holidays!