O Christmas Tree

Tom, the boys, and I have never ventured out into snow covered hills to chop down our very own Christmas tree, even though it's always seemed like the epitome of wholesome family holiday activities. This year, when my colleague Anna suggested we do just that, I sort of jumped at the opportunity.

Ok, so it wasn't an opportunity to do just that, exactly. This tree she had selected for us was growing on the side of the highway at the edge of Lake Taupo. Our plan was to head out, following their "ute" (i.e. utility vehicle) with various implements of tree destruction and head back with the tree in the back of the truck.

Adventures ensue.

Here we are, following their truck on the highway, where the speed limit is 100 km/hr. See all those trees just growing along the edge?

Here's our tree, in its natural habitat, right next to the water. It's a pinus radiatus, and Anna assures me this species is generally considered a weed.

It's a really big weed! See little Steve in there next to it?

Here's Anna, bringing Steve the machete he needs to bushwhack his way to the tree.

Almost done!

The boys, Anna, and I did our best to help out, while sitting there on the side of a major highway. Here's Jasper, trying to look casual with a flower growing out of his scalp.

Yes, eventually the tree was successfully felled.

It was still ginormous.

This is the view of us trying to get back on the highway, having just picked the tree up off the road onto which it had fallen. We have secured it in a more solid fashion this time, which is to say that we did secure it at all. See how it's waving at us from underneath the tarp?

After trimming about 8 feet off the base, it is now an appropriate size for our house.

Here are the happy and successful participants in this year's Christmas tree challenge. Many thanks to Anna and Steve!!!  This was the most fun our family has ever had procuring a tree!