One of our family Christmas traditions is to bring home a fresh Christmas tree. The first year we did this was 7 years ago, when I was pregnant with Big G, and we joined some friends having no intention of getting a tree for ourselves. Now this tradition is one of the favorite parts of our holiday. We go to a place just outside the city that has sleigh rides, bonfires and hot chocolate. Invariably, every year we leave saying, "This year we found the best tree ever!" So, inspired by these collective moments, I made this: Can you see us? We are all tucked into the Monaluna minivan there, cold, tired and happy. My husband is feeling like Paul Bunyan after the kids cheered as he chopped down the biggest and best tree around. We are belting out Christmas carols as we drive. Our cheeks and noses are rosy, but our hearts are warm! I am loving the hoop ornaments of late (have you noticed??). Blame it on pilli pilli and Three Red Apples. I have a bunch more I have been working on for holiday gifts, but those will have to wait to be revealed :-) Some are tree ornaments, 3" and 4", but this one is 6" for the wall, and is staying home with us! I appliqued the Monaluna fabric to some linen with Heat and Bond Lite, then hand stitched all the details using a combo of embroidery thread and Perle 8. My favorite detail is the red bow that holds the tree to the car! I added a couple black buttons to serve as tires for our "minivan." And again, those famous words..... Here it is with our tree, which remains half decorated....I guess Mom's too busy sewing costumes! And here we are in "real life," as we picked our tree this year. Life is good!