Festival of Trees 2008

In 2007, my sisters and I decorated our first tree for the annual Festival of Trees to benefit Primary Children's Hospital. As soon as we were done last year, we began planning for a bigger tree this year. Fortunately, Cathy hit some great clearance sales that got us started with a 7.5 foot tree and a killer collection of candy-themed ornaments. That was followed by little purchases here and there by everyone to gather the ornaments, ribbon, toys, additional decorations, etc. that became this year's "Visions of Sugarplums" tree. And so I present its life story.
"Hmm, we've each been gathering ornaments and stuff for a year. Maybe we should meet and see if they match and see if we have enough. Oh, and we should eat!" "This is great, they match! Let's make a list of everything we need to bring to the expo center...."



"We included lots of decorative stuff and a few tools, but did anyone's list include an extra radiator hose clamp? We have a situation...."


"It's a good thing Cathy and Colleen were so handy with that clamp. Now it's a good thing we have Jessica the decorator on staff. What should the rest of us do? We can watch, glue a few things, and maybe eat and visit."

"It took us all day, but doesn't it look great? And it's so fun that it was done by 3 generations with Grandma, Colleen, Cathy, Cheryl, Heather, Jessica, and Romney. I wish Romney were still here for the picture. She was here all day, but had to leave before we took this. Too bad Cheryl doesn't have mad Photoshop skills or we could insert her. That's okay, we'll just put in a separate picture of her."Here's a nice portrait of what the buying public got to see, minus the decorators. And a little closeup makes it look good too.
"So, who's starting the list for next year?" "I don't know, but make sure we don't choose a spot on Aisle G by the huge dock door that was open all day." "Oh, and maybe we should bring more chairs and a table to work on. That's what the 'professionals' seem to do." "And who's going to bring the food?"

Epilogue: The tree and all its decorations were donated by us along with our time. It sold at auction for $950 that will go straight to the children in need. Merry Christmas!!!