Christmas '07 part 2: the Lodge Christmas tree

Ok, so I'm picking up where we left off with the last blog post before we left civilization for a week. We had a great time at the Lodge, and have more pictures and stories to share after these.

One of the first things we did after we had all arrived at the Lodge (and had a good sleep-in the next morning, since Grandma likes to get Will up and cuddle him in the morning so I don't have to get up with him) was to go on a hike to find and cut down what would become our Christmas tree. So we got all bundled up and put Will in the backpack for the hike.

First we made a quick stop to visit our old friend, the clothesline.

Suddenly, we were under attack! Mom started throwing snowballs at us. Not cool mom, now you must face the ultimate snowball machine. Plus, Grandpa had our backs. Will said to show no mercy!

After a few rounds we kissed and made up.

Here we're hiking down the road toward the lake. We didn't have to go too far before we found the perfect little tree and Grandpa cut it down and trimmed it.

Since we were all bundled up we went for a walk out on the ice of the lake. It was incredibly beautiful - the snow was everywhere, and so pure, untouched. Also, a special thing about being outside in the North Woods is the "deafening silence" - we're far enough away from a town that at times there are no sounds at all except wildlife and the crunch of snow underfoot. There are so many trees which are weighted down with thick snow, making a complete windblock which adds to the stillness. When we would go outside the silence was truly striking.

Will spent a little quality time getting reacquainted with his Unky Grant and AJ. Guess who he's having more fun with here. As usual, it took a couple days for Will to warm up to everyone, then soon he was kissing everyone and sitting contently on laps other than mine without getting upset.

Here's our tree when it was all trimmed and decorated - it was very special.