Chaos and Beauty

 This past weekend was our Gardiner Annual Christmas tree hunt. Somehow it always starts out rushed and chaotic and ends with a deep breath and beautiful memories. This year was no different. I actually love how chaos and stress can also live with beauty and gratitude. This snow has made our little world so wildly pretty!! 

We all drove out to Moose Mountain where my Dad was cutting down a tree before we even all got out of the cars and put snow gear on... so this year we literally did not help find a tree at all lol. Typical Grandpa Gardiner rushing to get outta there as fast as possible. haha. 

They loaded up the tree and we found fun along the way trudging through the beautiful thick fluffy snow.

I'm so grateful we live so close to this gorgeous heaven on earth and although snow in the city is definitely less fun.. snow in the mountains is ten out of ten, five stars and I always feel so lucky we get to live here and do this on a Sunday afternoon when I know other people around the world save their money for years to be able to experience this as a once in a lifetime experience. How cool is that!

We made our own toboggan hill this time and it was awesome to just have it all to ourselves. These cousins are the best and seeing their friendships always make me happy. 

We finished the day off at Grandma & Grandpa's. Socializing, crafting, pizza and decorating the Christmas tree. Carter was the last cousin decorating and him and Grandma shared a sweet moment doing that together. Love this big guy. 

As chaotic, stressful and messy this day is each year I know how much our kids look forward to this day with their Grandparents and cousins and am so grateful my parents do this with them. Thank you Mom and Dad for hosting the crazy, organizing the fun and doing it again and again, year after year. We love you!