In Which Many Things Are Power Lifted

The Annual Christmas Tree Procurement Excursion took place yesterday. It is a tradition that we go with our friends Becky & Andrew and Jessica & Brett to help them pick out trees, because for allergy reasons we do not get one ourselves.

It is also a tradition, started by Becky, to power lift the fresh cut tree:

Andrew does his Arnold impersonation to the delight of Rose.

Matt did, however, pick out the tree he would have chosen for the three-story foyer we don't have:

I'd like to see him power lift this!

There were a lot of good trees to choose from this year, and Andrew found a tall one he liked fairly quickly. Jessica and Brett were a bit more choosy, but in the end found a great little tree with a good top that wasn't too big around the middle:

Jessica and Brett: proud new tree (and soon-to-be baby) parents

Per tradition, we then encouraged Brett to power lift the chosen tree:

Brett hoists his prize for all to see.

Rose, not to be outdone, found her own tree to hold aloft:

Like father, like daughter, but without the grunting or Austrian accent.

Caught up in the spirit, suddenly everything was fair game for lifting:

Audrey couldn't be more delighted to be free of her baby carrier.

Rose doing her best tree impression.

Once that was accomplished, it was time to haul the trees back for shaking and binding:

Matt needs a printer power cord to drag.

And take them home:

Photo taken before Jessica and Brett's tree nearly slid off.

We had fun! I was hoping to recreate the famous 2010 "Rose and the Rabbit of Terror" picture with Audrey, but she's still too small. Maybe next year. And then maybe the year after that with Jess's little one. It's good to have traditions!

This is one of my favorite pictures ever.