The tree is up.

After skiing Saturday morning, we grabbed our $10 US Forest Service tree tag, and with saw in hand, headed out to hunt for our trophy. We knew just where to go. Our secret spot outside the town of Redstone has provided our tree for the past two years, and it would again today. A few hours later it was lighting up our living room.

Though not a big deal, I was slightly disappointed when my goal for a repeat of 2003 was not met. Then (in photo), after asking Christy to shake the snow off a prospective tree, she gullibly obliged my devious request and I got this photo. Even today, five years after, it delivers some ‘holiday cheer’, at least to her dad and me.

It’s doubtful she will ever be duped into that situation again but in the spirit of Christmas I won’t give up hope.