Forest Follow-Up

So, JC was so sweet to post about this before I had even begun to get around to it and, by the way, did it in such a sweet way, there is not much more to be said! But I did get some fun pictures of getting it all set up so I wanted to share!

I borrowed Christmas trees from my parents and his, foliage of all sorts from the above mentioned as well, and pulled some of our stuff down from the attic. Turned out just enough to make a perfect little forest in our front room!
When JC's dad showed up with a Christmas tree, he also brought with him a surprise that really made the whole thing - a deer. Yes, a life size deer. Made of I don't know what, but used for target practice...you know, that kind of deer. So awesome sitting amongst the trees in our front room.

James takes a ride.

Pretty Bethany takes a ride.

Ben...boycotts his turn to ride. Yes, there were actual tears.

I was actually sick on this day...in the middle of the flu, glorious flu, and my mom came over to help me set it all up. Saved the day. She also watched the kids while I ran to the store for a quick stock-up of camping-type food and a couple treats for our favorite hunter.
Here are the two movies that JC mentioned (love Walmart five dollar bin) which I made him "hunt" for - - hiding behind pillows, sporting antlers and all (can you see them sticking out? You would have to be a really good hunter...):

After we went for a walk to collect pine cones, the kids scattered them around on the floor and proceeded to play in the forest until it was time for Daddy to be home. James took mostly to jumping his spiderman action figure all over the trees and Bethany hugged the deer a lot. Ben tossed pinecones around to his heart's content.

Another darkish picture of the whole room. This room just has horrible lighting for pictures I think...

But here's a shot of the deer:
And one of everyone in their spots once we saw JC's car driving up! Everyone wanted to hide behind the deer.

This was really super fun.
Sometimes it can be frustrating, right smack in the middle of life in general, dealing with family life, work, responsibilities, stress, business as usual, sickness, etc. There is always something going on. And there is always ALWAYS something demanding more of our time, energy, and affection. Just like every other adult in this universe. Sometimes you just want to alleviate all of that for the one person who you know most wants to alleviate it for you. It's hard when, as much as you'd like to, you can't do that for each other. Life continues to swirl around you with all of its stress and joy alike.
But, something as irritating and crummy as "an owie in Daddy's tummy" (as the kids refer to it) during deer season gave me the opportunity to do something small for my husband. To make him smile. And show him that, even though this solved absolutely nothing, it was worth the time and effort for me and others who care to give him a little chuckle, a little boost to his day.
And a really chilly front room. About an hour before he got home, I set the air conditioner really low in the front room so it would feel real.
See, dumb little details.
Big smile.
Big fun.