Christmas Tree Hunting

Last night we fell asleep to the glow of the stars outside our barn window. Mr. Stannix pulled me in close to look at the stars casting a glow on the snowy mountain backdrop. The kids slept all night and woke extra early this morning to check out the place. The wood stove was barely going when I woke with Ollie. There was a chill in the air as we wandered around the dimly lit gathering room.

 I couldn't wait for the first morning light so that I could take in the views that I missed arriving in the dark. It was so perfect, like something out of a Christmas card. 

I peered out every window in the barn and became more excited with each glimpse I got of the snow covered mountains and the pine boughs hanging heavy with snow. 

Being surrounded by family in the middle of the mountains is my happy place.

 My sister and her hubby cooked us an amazing breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs. It was delicious! We all joined in conversation around the twenty-two seat dining table. We forgot Ollie's booster, so he mooched off Grampa.

I snuck outside after breakfast to get a closer look at the surroundings.

The overnight frost added an extra sparkle to everything. Pictures really don't do justice.

 We spent the rest of the morning making snow flakes and homemade garland for our Christmas tree. Watching my Gramma and Grampa work together was a treat. Their hands were so loving. Gramma got up and smooched Grampa on her way to the snack table. There was such love and tenderness between them. They are such a wonderful example to us.

Camilla was beyond excited for this weekend, but I think the thing she looked forward to the most was sleeping in bunkbeds. She may have even signed the card for our hosts with something along the lines of how comfy the bunk beds are. This morning I caught her cleaning up hers and the boys rooms. She had lined up the shoes and made the beds and folded their jammies. It was the sweetest thing. 

 I lied Ollie down for a nap in the crib and closed the swinging doors to the hall. We all continued to visit and craft as he slept away.

 When the sun was high in the sky we made our way outside for a tree hunt. We wandered down the long, snow covered path as the sun warmed our faces. 

The littles discovered how fun it was to kick and shake the trees and get covered in snow. They did it over and over again and laughed every time. 

When Ollie's legs got cold Mike and I headed back to the barn with him. Hyrum helped saw the tree down and the boys brought it up to the loft.

Finley napped peacefully in his bottom bunk as the afternoon sun poured through his window.

All three puppies rested near the wood stove on free chairs, laps, or blankets.

It's always great to have a few extra hands to grab the baby from the crib when he wakes. He gave Auntie some pretty great snuggles.

Grampa was always popular with the pups and the littles. I'm sure he hardly got a moments rest all weekend, but he seemed to enjoy it!

All of the boys took a turn on the sleds exploring.

We were all invited out to "the shelter" behind the barn for a BBQ with their family and the other cabin dwellers. We really enjoyed visiting and the food was delicious!

I had to sneak out a little bit early with the little guys who were cold and tired. Thankfully Mr. Stannix brought me up a plate of food! We spent the rest of the night playing cards and enjoying a chinese gift exchange.