Tree Hunting in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

These days, at least in Washington, tree hunting really does have quite a bit in common with hunting: you pay for a permit, then you must "IMMEDIATELY" tag your tree with the day, month, and year upon cutting it, and that tag must remain conspicuous the entire time the tree is in transit to your home. Mildly amusing to us Montanans (although the same system may be in place back there now... it's just a lot different than when we were growing up). 

Jeremy's figured out a new way to get out of the despised chore of having his picture taken: he takes the picture! :-)

Ascha isn't nearly so cold as she looks. It was a mild day, but I guess she wasn't too sure about this hunting business. Doesn't she have an expressive (and prominently muscled) forehead? :-)

Jeremy let each of the boys have a few whacks with the hatchet as he cleared the lower branches off the tree. It was a scary time for this mama, but no one was injured. :-) (In all fairness, they did just fine and learned during the process, so I can't really complain.)

After the tree was felled, it was time for a science project... Our tree was about 15 years old.

The victors...

...the spoils. (hot cocoa and candy canes)

Homeward Bound...

I don't know why, but this is the only picture I took of the boys decorating the tree.

This year we started a new "count." In the past, both boys have been able to jointly put on the star, but they are getting a bit too heavy (note Daddy's strained face with just one boy above his head). Taylor took a turn this year, so next year, it'll be Aric's job.