So this year we did something different when getting our tree. Usually we go to a local lot and pick one out but we decided to try going out into the forest and getting our own. With the kids National Park pass for 4th graders they also got a free tree cutting permit. I always love free and I had this magical time pictured in my head of finding a tree and playing in the snow.

We had never done it before but got some advice from some of my co-workers on where to go. We made our hot chocolate and headed to Idaho City. Unfortunately on our way out Greg got a call from a contractor and they were having a problem at a job site, it was on our way so we stopped there. It took Greg and hour to work on the heat, the kids played in the snow and I sat in the truck.

When we finally got on the road we went to the Forest Service office to get our permit. The ladies working there were super helpful, gave us a map, told us of some great spots to find a tree and wished us luck.

We stopped at the gas station before heading out to get some snacks and drinks. While we were in Idaho City we saw a ton of vehicles with trees on them. They all looked like nice full trees. We thought we would find one quickly and have a chance to play in the snow afterward. Ba ha ha, funny thinking that now.

We decided to try the furthest spot away, figuring there would be less people. But we would find out that no matter where we went there was a ton of people. The first spot had a family had just left and it seemed like there was some good trees around so we took their spot. The kids got out and immediately started sledding down the hill while Greg and I talked about what we were doing.

We decided we better start looking around as we only had a few hours of light. We were on some hilly ground and hiking around looking for a tree was pretty difficult. I was sliding around in some slushy snow. After climbing up and down looking from tree to tree we decided there were no trees we liked so we got in the truck to go find another spot.

We stopped again and again had to hike through hills and creeks. Jayse while trying to cross one slipped and fell face first into one. Only managing to not get soaked because of a small snow bridge he was able to stop himself on. Greg and Jaelee walked on looking for the tree. I walked slower with Jayse and played in some snow. At the second stop the snow was really dry and flaky. It looked like millions of crystals. It was really pretty cool. The pictures do not do it justice. I got Jayse to throw some of it up in the air.

At this second stop we also determined we didn’t like any of the trees so we moved on again. By this time we knew we only had about 45 minutes of light. It was getting down to desperate times. We managed to find an ok spot and did a little hiking into some trees covered in snow. We found a tree that looked sparse but one I could live with.

Greg cut it down, it was so light that Jaelee was able to drag it out. Greg threw it into the back of the truck and we headed home. It was hard work getting our free sparse tree. I’m not sure it’s one that will become a Christmas tradition.