Christmas Tree Adventure

Today we went on an adventure to find our first Christmas tree. We drove for almost an hour to a national park in Idaho to search for one. Five dollars beats ninety any day! It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day...see for yourself...

the drive

Kyle and I became friends in high school. Our adventures together really started back when we were sixteen, but it is something we have always been good at. Over the years there has almost always been one commonality with our adventures. One of us does something. It might be painful, embarrassing, hysterical, stupid, or awkward. It is inevitable...and this adventure was no different. We drove up a logging road. A logging road that was covered in snow and ice, but HAD been plowed. Normally a plowed road is a good thing right? Not today! We drove passed a suburban in a ditch being pulled out. I told kyle "maybe you should stay away from the edge." What happens less then five minutes later? CAR GOES IN THE DITCH. This was more of a small cliff though. I was screaming (but trying not to laugh because all I could think was "I TOLD YOU SO") Kyle was terrified. We were sliding towards two trees. Down a ditch. The snow was collapsing under us. Not kidding. We literally came within maybe two feet of the trees, when the snow built up enough between the trees and our car to stop us. I climbed out of my door...and then kyle...and then taylor. Kyle was yelling, he maybe climbed back in hurriedly and spilt my coffee all over. Taylor was jumping around in the snow like a bunny, and I was standing shivering thinking "maybe now is not the best time to say "I told you so"?" Luckily two trucks came down the road within minutes of this happening. An older couple who had been picnicking in the snow (precious) had a winch and helped Kyle get the jeep out. They informed us that years ago, and it had to have been many years, when they were first married they came to this same spot to pick out their first tree. They came every year after that, and got stuck every year after that. Three years ago he made a wise decision and purchased his winch. Thanks Mr :)

behind us is our first tree

We made it safely to a spot we would be able to turn around and began the search. I'm assuming the barbed wire was up for a reason, but what's an adventure without climbing over, or in my case crawling under, barbed wire? Kyle sawed down our first tree complete with his suspenders, plaid shirt, and fur hat. What a heart throb he is baha. 

dragging our tree back to the car. I was pulling the sled and kyle thought it was hysterical to keep steering it into the ditch.

Kyle trimmed it down and TA-DA!

Taylor never cooperates in family photos

We came home, listened to Hanson Holidays (until Kyle realized what we were listening to), and decorated our tree. SPECIAL THANK YOU: my parents went out and bought us ornaments and some decorations because they remembered not having those things their first Christmas together. My dad, who is suppose to be recovering and taking it easy, went out and got us a Christmas tree stand our last night home over Thanksgiving break. He is the best Dad. My parents always amaze me with their love and generosity. We LOVE you two! 

First Christmas tree adventure was a success! 

Apple Cup

Kyle and I have officially experienced Apple Cup. I have to say I am not a fan of all the rivalry leading up to game day. It is football? I was told that the jail filled up three times that night, and paramedics had to check the stands for unconscious people throughout the game. We had the pleasure of meeting an obnoxious boy who could barely stand. He had the pleasure of meeting Kyle's...hand. Apparently some people don't understand a ring on my finger means something. Even with all the drunken craziness we had a lot of fun watching the game. It was a close one!

.jen.lisa.kyle. Apple Cup '10

I have to let you all in on a secret. Everyone in Pullman (including Kyle) knew we would most likely lose. Kyle likes to dream big...and give his brother Connor a hard time. Some day he will learn if he is going to dish it, he needs to be able to take it.

...Things We are Thankful For...

  Kyle and I were able to go home for Thanksgiving this year. I was so excited to see family and friends and just to be back in Bellingham for the week. Both of our parents had made up bedrooms for us, so we didn't need to worry about finding somewhere to sleep. Kyle's family had two Thanksgivings (cooked by Brenda) and my family had one. I tried not to eat too much, but that wasn't truly an option...
  We have really been blessed this year. I am thankful to have Kyle, and to get the chance to experience life and grow with him. We are both thankful for our families, and people that have been like family to us. Life is an amazing adventure, and as corny as it sounds, every breath is something to be thankful for. 
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
We both love being married, and are thankful that finding the right person came before a line of wrongs. I love this quote because of what lies behind it. Marriage is not simple or an ever after honeymoon like in the movies. It is trying every day to be the best spouse you can be. It is loving each other even when you discover quarks and flaws. It is fighting over in-laws, and stressful holidays. BUT it is also having your best friend to come home to every day. Knowing that someone will always be in your corner, and challenging each other to become the best person he/she can. 

uncle kyle and baby griff '10

This was one of my favorite pictures from our time back in Bellingham. This is the newest addition to the Ingram family, baby Griff (Shannon and Linds). He is the happiest little guy, and watching Kyle with him is just about the most precious thing ever. He loves being an uncle, and someday he is going to make an amazing dad.