holiday traditions | cedar lake tree farm

this past sunday, we woke up really early in ohio and traveled back to the pines of north carolina. we arrived at our favorite tree farm around noon for one of my very favorite traditions. we fell in love with cedar lake tree farm in ironton, nc last christmas- and again this year. the many animals, hay stack/slide for play, crackling campfire, authentic santa, snack bar, and friendly staff make it so magical. if you live near this area, i can’t recommend this experience enough. it’s so wonderful.

parks was grabbing his hand . i love their bond so much

last year nash was only five months old… it was so fun to see him running around with parks this year

the cutest santa claus 

parks remembered the vintage blue bronco 

this car (but in a cream color with brown leather seats) might just be my dream car

nash (just as predicted) didn’t want anything to do with the big guy

so i held him . he’s become quite the momma’s boy 

i recently thrifted this sweater for $2 . brand new cat and jack at value village

when i was little, we traveled far to cut down our tree every year with our family + aunt and uncle and cousins . the cats around the fireplace, hot cider and the donkey named rosa were some of my favorite parts. (picture handmade puffy paint sweatshirts and big scrunches and ohio state all-star jackets!) this year, parks and i sat on a picnic table and watched the donkeys – it was very special to me.

this one is a favorite of mine

i took in the moment when we were walking up and he saw santa

and i hope i always remember it.

i love seeing them run freely . run free, my loves 

we went with a turkish fir this year 

i am loving the fullness and vintage vibe – especially with our gold tinsel

that evening, we unpacked from our trip, i hit up trader joe’s for festive goodies while the boys napped and then we all decorated our home. christmas tunes were playing on our record player and parks had his first cup of hot cocoa in a bear mug… as he said the word, “beautiful” over and over. 

these are the moments.