Our black Friday tradition…

 

Our black Friday tradition, I realize, is a bit different from many.  We spend Thanksgiving home with our family.  Enjoy the day and the night – home.  We aren’t fans of rushing out at midnight, or now 6pm to go shopping for Christmas (not that there is anything wrong with it if you do).  I value sleeping too much and there isn’t a deal great enough to tear me away from the coziness of my bed, especially after training hard.  This year was, however, a bit of a departure as my youngest had her braces put on first thing in the morning.  We opted to do lunch instead of breakfast and then go hunt for the perfect tree.  And that’s just what we did.

After a successful trip to the orthodontist, we headed to our favorite little restaurant near the tree farm.  Had brunch and then immediately headed over to the tree farm.  We knew it would be packed and it certainly was that.  First day, still working out the kinks of horse-drawn carriage drivers etc.  Lines were a bit long.  Temperatures were quite chilly but the spirit was in the air.  I was finally feeling in the Christmas spirit.

My youngest found her way to some warm honey roasted nuts to keep her happy and snacking (despite the pain of new braces).

The three reasons for my happiness (and craziness at times).  My youngest will proudly be putting those teeth on display throughout this post so bear with me.

We even got to feed some farm animals to pass the time.

Getting closer we had to get a shot of the three girls together.  Trying to stay warm while we waited.  This is one of my most favorite days of the year.

We jumped on the horse-drawn carriage and off we went.  The first year we went to this farm, 9 years ago, they took us under this overpass and through a stream to take us to the other side of the mountain for our tree.  I loved it.  It was picture-perfect.  Each year since, we’ve never gone back until this year.  I was so excited.  Sadly, I didn’t get the best shots of the horses splashing through the water but I did capture as much of their beauty as my vantage point would permit.

 

Proper tree hunting footwear with all of the rain we had this week.

Sisterly love.

It was a beautiful day with the sun shining down feeling blessed that the rains had finally departed leaving us with this day to enjoy.

Magnificent beauty.

Off, with saw in hand, to find our tree.

And finally back home.  Two trees up and decorated.  Fireplace on.  Laughing and reminiscing over every ornament we hang.  Our stockings, that we’ve had since the girls were babies still hang on the mantle.  Now cuddling and watching Christmas movies.  Doesn’t get any better than this… at least here on Black Friday.

 

Happy Holidays!
~Robin
oxo

— Knead to Cook