Christmas Trees and Apple Pie

This weekend we drove out to Half Moon Bay and cut down a tree at Santa's Tree Farm. We go there every year and we always have a great time. For one thing, it's huge. We can drive way back in the valley and across a bridge and find a peaceful place between the hills to find our tree. There is also a barn half way up that has free hot apple cider, a sleigh, a train ride with Santa on board, and fake snow flowing overhead. This year Madeleine got to sit next to Santa on the train with his arm wrapped around her the whole way. Matthew sat next to us but was right behind Santa. At one point Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas. He was probably wondering how come he didn't remember from his visit last weekend. Matthew told him The Polar Express train. A minute later the train started and so did the music. The Polar Express theme song came on, which prompted a huge smile from Matthew. Maybe Santa has it together after all.

Here's Madeleine sitting on a stump and taking a moment to pull herself together. Finding the perfect tree was harder than she thought!

We found one though! Here's the kids helping to cut it down.

The kids in awe and anticipation as they watch daddy finish cutting down the tree.

On a completely different note, here's a picture of some apple pies I made with a cobbler topping. Actually, the 1st apple pies I ever made. They were yummy and I was proud. I offered it for dessert to the kids. Matthew asked for ice cream instead. I asked him if he was sure, because this was a really fantastic pie. In fact, after he grew up and lived on his own he'd probably consider calling before a visit and making a special request for this pie. He finally conceded and afterwards told me that actually he'd ask for two...one for his visit and one to take home.