Hunting for the Perfect Tree

It's tradition.  Almost.  On the Friday after giving thanks, we head out into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree.  Over the years, through trail and error, we have the hunt almost down to a science.  Everyone knows exactly the kind of tree we need to find.  It has to be a Douglas Fir.  It has to be at least twelve feet tall, full throughout (with only one scarce spot that will not show against the back) and JUST skinny enough at the bottom to fit just right in the space behind the couch in the living room.  The goal is to out do last year's tree EVERYTIME.

Yesterday, we set out once again on that quest....the hunt for the perfect tree.  I knew something was up at breakfast.  They were all talking about who was going to be the one to spot THE tree this year.  It's a competition... an honor to have YOUR tree end up at home in the coveted spot.  Mom just purchased a new winter coat for me.   When she brought that out, I knew it was time.  We all loaded into the car and headed up the road to our secret spot.  (First rule of hunting is never tell WHERE you find the best ones!) 

The anticipation of the hunt is building for all of us as we make our way up the road.  I can hardly stand it...

It's a beautiful, sunny day...and I am certain that I, the Scrapster, will be the ONE to spot the perfect tree!




C'mon guys, it's this way!  Follow me~

 Right off, we head down a steep embankment.  The youngest one has to pick me up.  The snow is deep. 

Once down the hill, he sets me back down and I am on a mission!

It isn't long.  Dad spots the first one, shakes the snow off the specimen and asks "How about this one?"
"Mmmmm....no, there's too big a hole on the right side of that one!",  Mom says.  I am still in hunting mode.  Those trees ALL look huge from my prospective!  We keep trodding through the snow.  My paws are starting to numb and the snow is starting to ball up in my fur.  Still, it is worth it as I am with my people, in search of the perfect tree. 

Then it happens.  The youngest gets the honor.  He spots the tree from across the field and we trudge through the snow to check it out.  As we close in around the tree, it's obvious to everyone...(including me)...THIS is the one.  The tree that tops them all.  The youngest picks me up in celebration! 

                                                             Down comes the tree!

                                                          It is truly a magical moment. 

                                              I PROMISE... it looks amazing standing up!

                                                    We tag the tree...(it has to be legal)

                    Load it on to the suburban...(this is Montana...have to HAVE four wheel drive!) 

Whoa!  It's as LONG as the car!

Dad turns up the heat.  Mom takes my coat off and I start biting off the snow balls!  They taste pretty good!

Another successful hunt for the perfect tree.

Perhaps when we get it all decked out, I'll post a picture.  Unless you are in competition, I think you might just agree...we brought home the best ever tree!

Let's get decorating!