We have cut down our own Christmas tree for several years. It used to be a really big deal when our kids were young. There was a tree farm in Buckner, MO, that we would visit. We usually waited until it was a miserably cold day to make our trip (not on purpose--it just happened that way), but that made the hot chocolate waiting for us by the owner taste even better.
As the kids outgrew the joy of a "family tree-cutting outing", my husband and I carried on with the tradition! We found a tree farm located a bit closer to our home and used that spot for quite some time until they closed their gates---then, we had to search for a new location!
We were so happy when we found PUMPKINS and PINES in Pleasant Hill, MO, last year.
It is a family owned business where you are greeted by a welcoming Golden Retriever and treated to pure "tree farm" beauty.
So, on a beautiful fall Sunday, a couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took our "2nd Annual Trip" to Pumpkins and Pines to find the perfect tree for Christmas 2008!
Housed in this building is a little gift shop and work area where they make the most beautiful fresh pine wreaths! The cashier's area is also found just inside the door.
And perched on top of the cashier's desk, this year, was a basket FULL of the most precious kittens!!!
It's hard to tell just how many were curled up in that basket---but there were three in it! The adoring kitten fans were enthralled by the mass of furry limbs, ears and faces.
There's not a much cuter sight than a sweet little kitty's face.
There are thousands of Scotch and White pines from which to choose the Perfect Tree!
We usually manage to get into a good spat over choosing The Perfect Tree. I was on the hunt---no hill too high for me when it comes to searching out the best tree for our living room!
From the other side of the lake, is a serene view of the barn you first saw, the owner's home, and the pumpkins scattered all around waiting to go home with some lucky little (and big) kids.
The white tags on top of the trees are the price tags--the orange tags are for the "SOLD" trees. That orange sign means "hands off---someone else has beat you to it!!"
We agreed in record time this year on The Perfect Tree--without the teeniest little tiff!!
I put our "sold" tag on the verrrrry top.
Part of the tagging process also includes painting the trunk of the tree---this year, the color was yellow!
My hero loves to paint, so he had the honors . . . .
not such an easy task when the branches are very close to the ground!
I shared in my Pink Saturday Post this last week, that some folks add an extra little 'special tag' to their tree. I brought a pink bandanna for our little touch!
Here's a full view of our tree---complete with its Sold Tag and Pink Pizazz.
Just to make sure no one takes our tree, my husband added a big old yellow circle around it on the ground! He's a thorough one!!!
We headed back to the barn area and I selected a couple of pumpkins. . .
We also wanted to say "good-bye" to the cute little kitties!
The tan one decided to take a nap with his head stuck in a gourd dipper!
Farewell, Pumpkins and Pines!!!!
We're taking our pumpkins and heading back home! We'll return right after Thanksgiving to fetch our tree!!!!
THE STONE RABBIT was thrilled with the pumpkin I brought home! (I gave the other pumpkin to Patty.) He says he LOVES fall---he doesn't sweat so much and the flies are almost gone!
Life is good.
DANA
Dana! I love the tree you picked. How could you ever resist bringing home a kitty? The one with it's head in the gourd would have done me in. xo Cat ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | October 28, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Hi Dana :)
What a fun and beautiful place!! We love cutting down our own tree and I am very serious about it too LOL We have to find a new place this year though. I sure wish our pumpkin patch sold trees.
That picture of the kitten with his head in the gourd was too precious for words!
Oh and I mentioned you on my post today ;)
hugs,
rue
Posted by: rue | October 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Those sweet kitties are "working" kitties. They were sleepy cuz they are up at night keeping the joint free of pesky little rodents! I forgot to tell you all that part! Those fur babies are keepers for the owners of the tree farm. dana
Posted by: Dana | October 28, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Very fun!
Posted by: MizSmoochie | October 28, 2008 at 08:15 PM
That is a gorgeous tree! Can't wait to see it decorated...Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 28, 2008 at 08:24 PM
THAT is a gorgeous full, puffy, scrumptious tree...where did you say this farm is...hmmm and theres a big yellow circle so I can find this easy right? Gee...maybe I know where I'll get my tree this year afterall! Take care woman!
Posted by: nikki | October 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM
What a beauitiful place! I love this idea of picking out your pumpkin and Christmas tree the sane day! How did you not come home with a new fur-baby?? They were sooo cute! I am typing with one hand as my dd's kitten sleeps on the other :)
I hope you're having a wonderful week!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | October 28, 2008 at 09:32 PM
What a beautiful farm and a perfect time to pick your tree (I can't believe it will be November on Saturday...how is this possible???) Thank you for sharing your tree shopping adventure. It's so nice to cross things off of you to-do list!
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 28, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Oh my goodness, Christmas trees already??!! I don't understand why you need to paint the trunk. What is that for?
Blessings,
Sher
Posted by: Sher's Creative Expressions | October 29, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Hey Dana! Stop by my blog I Boo-ed you!
Posted by: Kim V | October 29, 2008 at 06:18 AM
How precious! It was all beautiful, but I especially loved the kittens. They were even dressed for fall in their orange and black fur!
Posted by: nola | October 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
What a fun outing for you two! I love that pumpkin place. What fun! The kitty pictures are so cute.
Posted by: Linnea | October 29, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Oh my what a great post! I thoroughly enjoyed everything you posted.
I LOVE those little kitties and the pics of them are sooooo good!!
I did see your post on the weekend thats a great way to select your favourite tree before the snow HITS!!
The scenery was lovely too...thank you for sharing and have a lovely day.
Judi
Posted by: Judi | October 29, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Hi Dana!
I'm back from Denver, Colorado. We went to a fantastic baby shower for my DIL given by her sister.
"Pumpkins and Pines" is such a wonderful place! The tree you chose is magnificent. I loved the kittens in the basket -- what sleepy heads!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | October 29, 2008 at 10:56 AM
What a GORGEOUS place to pick out your tree!! That is just the neatest thing to go find your tree, tag it and then go pick it up after Thanksgiving!! REALLY neat!!
I am so glad that your craft shows have been going well even in this economy....wish I was closer cause I would love to go to one you were in!
Oh, those kittens were irresistible!!!! Nothing much cuter than baby kittens....little balls of fluff!
Posted by: Darlene | October 29, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Pumpkins, pussycats and Christmas trees, what more could a girl ask for? Such a beautiful Christmas tree farm. You guys really plan ahead. Karen
Posted by: karen | October 29, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Dana, what fun that must be to pick your own tree like that! I would have to mark mine with something like you did or I would never be able to find it!LOL Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | October 30, 2008 at 09:58 AM
What a fabulous outing filled with Holiday fun!! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
smiles,
kari & kijsa
Posted by: kari & kijsa | October 30, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Dana, this looks like so much fun. You are such a smart girl. The Stone Rabbit told us all about just how smart you are, but we promised not to embarrass him.
Posted by: Beverly | October 30, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Oh, Dana... Now you've gone and made me miss our 'tree hunting' days! Last year we caved and got a FAKE tree... What a beautiful tree farm you go to! And those kitties are just too precious!...Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | November 05, 2008 at 11:12 PM