The annual hunt for the Hauer family Christmas tree commenced early morning December 3.  Destination: Scottsburg, IN – Leota Tree Farm. There were promises of Christmas trees, hay rides, reindeer and a potbelly pig. There were all of those things. Only one issue, Clark Griswold and I insist on chopping down our own tree. And all the trees over 2 feet tall were already pre-cut. Sigh. We traipsed around anyhow, just in case there was a decent tree hiding in the far back corner near the mud pit. There was not.

It was at about the mud pit we decided we best start documenting Jack’s first Christmas tree hunt — and it was there we realized we didn’t charge the battery in the camera. Dad was lucky enough to get one shot off before the camera gave in.

So, the tradition of not purchasing a tree at the first tree farm we visit is still in tact.

Back in the car we went. We ended up following a small white sign to “xmas trees” about a mile off the road — ending at Kelley Robbins nursery. After many years of searching, this may be “the” Christmas tree farm. It was full of trees that were pruned, trimmed and at least 6 feet tall. And, best of all, they were okay with Molly off-leash.

We ended up with an 8-footer of the White Pine variety for $50. No pictures of the hunt due to aforementioned reason; but here it is getting prettied-up.

O, Oh, Oooh Ahhh Christmas Tree.

Tree hunt tradition part 2: Molly got her “annual” bath. All is well. Merry Christmas.