Journey to Shiloh

"Were off to get our tree and what a wonderful tree it will be" - *sung to the tune of "Off to see the Wizard of Oz". * ;)

It's that time again! And by golly how fast it has come this year. I need to explain this picture before you country people get any idea of how we pick our tree. Normally when there is snow on the ground our family will pack up in our trusty van and drive off to Congerville to walk through a huge tree nursery to find the perfect tree for our family. After a recent tragedy this family owned business had to close there tree farm though. So we are no longer able to go on a hay-rack ride through the snowy Winter Wonderland. Saddened by this change in plans we have to go to the only other place we know of... which is Owen's Nursery. Instead of getting to cut your own tree down, they already have cut and groomed trees lined up for you, as you can see in this picture. Now, with the explanation aside, here we are going through the rows of trees looking for the right one.

Peter thinks he has found the perfect tree.

Zach is not quite as sure about his tree but he is thinking it may work.

Back at the house Rebecca got this lovely artistic shot of what we were all feeling.

Our great Patriarch is the one who puts the lights on our beautiful tree every year.

With the lights in place it is time to decorate! Elaina loves to decorate the tree. You can tell by the look on her face that she is utterly excited about it.

Peter tries to get all the high spots on the tree that the little kids can't reach.

Nathan poses for a shot of him decorating the tree.

I think maybe all the kids posed for these shots. Here Zach is smiling happily.

Adrianna tries to stick her hand as far in the tree as she can. She has to find just the right spot to hang her ornament.

Victoria hanging her ornament.

Derick trying to find the perfect spot.

Rebecca almost looks mischievous in this picture.

Dad helps by pointing out all the spots that need to be covered by more ornaments.

And yours truly here, putting up the star.

The top of our lovely decorated tree.

And I leave you with this simple yet sweet message; Merry Christmas

God Bless!

~Meli