.
While adults look for the elusive "perfect tree", the children play and tumble in the snow, making snow angels, sledding and forming the ever dangerous snowball. Depending on the hunter, the search for their tree can take any where from fifteen minutes to an hour an an half (Gary wins the prize for hunting the longest, but also bringing back a pretty nice tree), though I have to say Dad your fifteen minute hunt produced a fine specimen as well.
With trees in tow the tired hunters load there precious cargo into the trucks. We then reverse the process by stripping off soggy, wet clothing to reveal rosy cheeked children. Vehicles are loaded and we caravan down the canyon once more, each family happily recalling their recent adventures, while warming hands on hot chocolate provided by Grandma.
This tradition would not be complete without the stop at the Pizza Villa in Preston. We are quite a group for the small town pizza parlor. They kindly accommodate our large crowd and the pizza is quickly devoured. Warm, heartfelt goodbyes are said as we each head for our individual homes to display our treasure. Traditions are so much a part of the season and become so meaningful to each one. I think traditions are really about love and family and creating memories that will long be remembered. Thanks for the tradition Mom and Dad!
