Field Trip: Christmas Tree Farm

Wednesday was Christmas Tree Farm day! Okay, the Christmas Tree farm turned out to not really be a Christmas Tree Farm so much as a tree farm. I guess the man usually does landscaping trees, but because the economy is so bad right now, no one is building, so no one is buying trees, so the owner is selling some of their trees as Christmas trees. That said, I think it was a great field trip. The man was very nice, and didn't seem disturbed at all by the fact that these little kids were being little kids. He even took pictures as we walked through the farm. Lots of fun! We got there on time, but everyone else was super late (the place was a little farther out than we expected). So, by the time the field trip was underway, Nick was starting to get a bit tired, and by the end of it he was downright grouchy. Seems to be a trend... he just still hasn't gotten to where he can make it through the day without a nap and keep his composure, but if he naps, he gets too much sleep and can't sleep at night. Here are some of the highlights of the trip, plus a few photos.

1. While we were waiting for everyone else, the owner showed us his root cellar, that was interesting, especially for the kids. Nick was astounded at how many potatoes they had in there.

2. We got to sit in the office while we were waiting and experience the wonderful wood burning stove. The office smelled wonderful from the fire. Here's a picture of in the office (taken later in the trip):



3. While we were still waiting Nick got to see an arrowhead the owner collected from one of his fields. I guess there are a ton out there.

4. The first family besides ours arrived and we all walked down by the river. His house/farm is right on the side of the river and absolutely beautiful! He even has a small island that is home to some deer and what not, and they can watch it all from their backyard. Beautiful, beautiful area, and just outside of town too.

5. Everyone else arrived. The kids got to go in the chicken coop and gather eggs, which of course was a huge hit. Nick wasn't sure he wanted to go in at first, but he warmed up to it in time to go in and get an egg. I think he was afraid of the chickens because the farmer had told the kids not to stick their fingers in the fence or they might get bit.



6. Then it was off to see the newly planted trees. He explained to the kids how he buys them as small trees and grows them into large trees. They got to see baby Colorado Blue Spruces, Choke Cherry trees, and some deciduous conifers. The adults found the deciduous conifers fascinating, none of us had ever heard of them. They were beautiful though, all of the needles were bright, bright yellow right now.

7. The kids got a quick stop to see the pond where they hold their water during the summer (it was dry now for the winter), and got to learn about how they water the plants, although I'm not sure they heard much of the story.

8. Then it was on to the big trees, but not before we stopped to say hello to their mule and horse. Beautiful, gentle animals, that Nick wouldn't even consider getting near. Aaargh, I don't know what his deal is. Here he is, not seeing the animals :)



9. By the time we got to the large Blue Spruces, the kids had pretty much stopped paying attention and instead were being fascinated by the huge holes left in the ground when they had removed some trees for landscaping.

It was a super cold day, about 25 out, and bitter cold, but still, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and there is nothing like getting out into a setting like that!