And it's tree time again...

For some people it's the first strains of Christmas music that stream through the overhead speakers in the grocery store.  For others it's the dark hour Black Friday shopping excursion.  For me, Christmas begins with the tree.

Growing up, it was a trip to the forest.  Now we live in the heart of Christmas tree country - no fewer than 30 farms within a 30 minute drive.  We can go out, cut our own, and still be home for lunch.  For the last two years we have loved visiting the Hamburg 4D Tree Farm - a great little farm with trees for $20, hot cocoa, cider, and chili. The family is friendly, and the trees are beautiful.  We love Noble Fir, and enjoy the search for the tree that is meant to be ours.

Here are a few shots from this year's trip: