We drove to Upper Bucks County, where Christmas Tree Farms are like Walgreen's- you can find one at every turn. We ended up at Tuckamony Tree Farm.

Our truck barreled down the gravel road, stopping next to a cozy firepit and snack stand. After spending much of the ride “Jones-ing” for a Starbucks stop. The hot chocolate topped with fresh whipped cream was well recieved. In fact, it could compete  with my favorite Grande Salted Caramel Mocha Hot, any day.

I  savored every sip of my warm treat, as I  followed my husband, chainsaw in hand. I had made the mistake of casually mentioning before left the house that we should bring a saw, just in case. I was thinking more along the lines of a handsaw. (I should have known better!)

We were promptly told by a tree farm employee that the chain saw would not be permitted on the  farm, you know, for insurance reasons. We would instead be loaned a trusty hand saw, courtesy of the farm. Also, a tall measuring stick as trees in a field appear much smaller than they will in your living room.

Armed with our necessary tools, we were on our way. Into the woods- the wet, snowy, somewhat muddy woods. The kids darted in and out of rows of trees.  And I continued on a slow steady path, balancing my iPhone, hot chocolate, and the measuring stick that lost its excitement after the first few steps (and blows to the back of the head from a running child).

We scoured each tree as is our usual fashion. Each of us looking for the perfect one. Mind you,  everyone has their own idea of perfect. Too short…. too fat…. too tall….too bare.

The choosing was not as simple as pumpkin picking had been just a few short months ago. Pumpkins are a personal choice.  Each child is allowed to choose their very own, provided they can haul it back to the hayride wagon.

But a Christmas tree, something to be enjoyed by all, must be a group effort. Group as in, everyone must agree. Ah, it's at those moments that the Christmas joy can really be felt.

My husband and I opt out of the voting to eliminate additional arguing. Problem is, that leaves 3 children (and odd number to say the least). Trying to get three of anybody to agree on anything is a struggle. Three siblings? Even harder.

We're that family you just might find quarreling in front of the Redbox, trying to convince one child that,  indeed, he or she will love this Muppet movie, I promise.

As usual, one hold out remained. As we began to take saw to tree, someone couldn't agree. So, it was back again through the field to continue the search.

Choosing a tree, apparently is a very big deal. This tree that will sit in our home for the next 4 weeks, if its lucky. This tree that will hold all of our homemade, store bought, and memory filled ornaments. This tree that endure mild cursing as lights are untangled, ornaments dropped and angel delicately placed at the top.

This tree. Just pick it already!

The hand- holding, forest frolicking kind of day that could very well be set to a lovely Christmas music montage, complete with hot cocoa sipping, soon became a gritted teeth excursion.

Hello?! My feet are soaked and freezing, can we just pick one already?

Hallmark's got nothing on us.

Overall it was a fun filled, family day, where our two youngest eventually worked together to chop down the chosen tree. Pictures were taken and memories made.

Another one for the books.

Shivaun Williams is a freelance writer, blogger, Social Media Manager, and Online Community Manager.  Founder of the opinionated and hilarious daily blog DarLiomsa (In My Opinion) , Williams also shares her suburban expertise and all things Levittown, here: Levittown Comfort. Her slice- of -life view of the world can also be read at phillyburbs.com/blogs/dar_liomsa & MetroKids/Momspeak. Her musings can be found, periodically, in The Bucks County Courier Times, The Levittown Leader, and on www.Momversation.com and Levittown Patch.com.

Williams' experiences as a suburban mom combined with her sense of humor, make up her unique brand of writing. She spends her days drinking coffee, tweeting, blogging and writing freelance. The rest of her time is devoted to feeding her children, eavesdropping at the little league field, and folding laundry. She is clearly living the dream.