Taking The Tree Down :( :( :(

Sad day! Since we are leaving in the morning--very early--we realized that we had better take down the tree. It was one of the best trees we have ever had and it was the first one we looked at at the lot. But in another week's time it would completely be a fire hazard, so down it had to come. We ate in the dining room with the Christmas dishes one more time. All 4 of the men put the food away and did the dishes and kitchen clean-up while we gals undressed the tree.

Here are the girls making sure all the ornaments are off, even between the branches. Isn't it funny how fast a tree comes down compared to how long it takes to put up? Why is that?

Since Christine had the honor of putting the Angel on the top, she wanted to be the one to take her down. Here she goes to be packed away till next year! The lights came off lickety-split and then the guys took the tree out to the street to be picked up tomorrow by the tree recyclers. Some good chip is coming!

Here is a secret I wanted to share: Aren't these poinsettias gorgeous? They have stayed just this beautiful all season. I found them at Joanne's craft store for the amazing price of $10 each. They are 2 gallon size. They are silk!!! And you can NOT tell. I've had some discriminating people through our house during the holidays and got so many compliments on them. Check it out! I'm going to wrap them up and store them until next year, and maybe even go back and get some more with my 40% off coupon!