it’s that time of the year to make the trek to our local "cut your own" tree farm to procure the perfect christmas tree!

some might recall from previous years that our favorite local tree farm – snowy ridge in westby, wisconsin – also has a a giant tree house and zip line and a warming house with hot cocoa and cookies. so, really, what more could you ask for? and as an added bonus, thanks to a recent snow fall, the place was transformed into a winter wonderland.

after years of having a slim selection of mature eastern white pines ( our family favorite ), the farm has plenty available after planting a bunch a few years back. it’s almost doesn’t seem as fun now that we can just walk in and find the perfect tree without having to trek to the farthest reachest of the property.

i always wonder what sort of insurance rider they have to carry with a zip line on the property, since it seem a bit risky especially when everything is icy anbd slippery and the kids are encumbered with winter gear. hi. ho. all in the name of good wintery fun!

true to its name you can really get zipping on the zip line!

the zip line ends in this awesome tree house which i’d love to recreate in our backyard with a line running from our house.

in keeping with tradition, after felling the tree and riding a zip line, one must warm one’s bones in the toasty warming house while sipping hot chocolate and dreaming of christmas morning.