Chenford discovering love

Baby its cold outside

The air was crisp with the unmistakable chill of December, and the scent of pine lingered in the air as Tim, Lucy, Harry, and Liv arrived at the local tree farm. Bundled up in cozy scarves and hats, they all looked cheerful despite the cold. Liv skipped ahead, her boots crunching in the frost-covered ground, her excitement bubbling over.

"Daddy, I want the biggest tree!" she exclaimed, spinning around to face them. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold, and her wide smile was contagious.

Tim chuckled, holding Harry snugly in his arms, who was bundled in a puffy jacket and a knitted hat that kept sliding over his eyes. "Biggest tree? Are you sure? It's got to fit in the house, monkey."

Liv rolled her eyes dramatically, as only a young child could, and grabbed Lucy's hand. "Okay, maybe not the biggest one. But it has to be the prettiest!"

Lucy smiled, giving Liv's hand a little squeeze. "Let's see what we can find, love. But remember, we've got to decorate it too. A tree that's too big will take all day to dress up."

Harry babbled softly in Tim's arms, his little mittened hands reaching out toward the rows of trees. His breath puffed out in little clouds as he squirmed, seemingly just as excited as his sister. "Ma-ma-ma," he gurgled, reaching for Lucy.

"Someone wants you," Tim said, shifting Harry so Lucy could take him.

Lucy took Harry and snuggled him close, kissing his cold little nose. "Alright, little man, you can help us pick. Let's find a tree that's just right."

They wandered through rows of trees, stopping occasionally to assess one. Liv would run around each tree, analyzing every branch with the seriousness of an expert.

"This one's too short!" she declared, moving on to the next.

Tim stood back, hands in his pockets, watching Lucy and Liv's interaction with a fond smile. "What do you think, Harry? Any favorites yet?" he asked, glancing down at his son, who was busy chewing on the edge of Lucy's scarf.

Eventually, Liv stopped in front of a tall, full tree with dense green branches. She threw her hands in the air. "This one! It's perfect!"

Lucy tilted her head, examining it. "It's a good one, Liv. What do you think, Tim?"

Tim walked over, giving the tree a once-over before nodding. "It's a beauty. Nice pick, monkey."

Liv beamed with pride. "Told you I'd find the best one!"

With their tree chosen, Tim took care of arranging its transport, and soon they were all in the car, the tree strapped to the roof. Liv was buzzing with excitement, talking nonstop about how she'd decorate it. Harry, meanwhile, had fallen asleep against Lucy's chest, his tiny hand clutching a strand of her hair.

As they pulled into the driveway and began unloading the tree, Lucy turned to Tim, her smile warm. "This is going to be the best Christmas yet," she said softly.

Tim glanced at their kids, then back at her. "It already is."

The drive home was filled with Liv's chatter about ornaments, lights, and how the tree had to look "like the ones in the movies." By the time they arrived, everyone was excited to get the tree inside and start decorating.

Tim opened the car door, glancing at the large tree strapped to the roof. "Alright, team," he announced. "Operation Get-This-Massive-Tree-Inside begins now."

Lucy laughed, holding a now-awake Harry in her arms. "Do we even have a plan?"

Tim shrugged, grinning. "Plans are for amateurs."

Liv hopped out of the car and stood with her hands on her hips, looking very serious. "Daddy, I can help. I'm very strong."

Tim ruffled her hat-covered hair. "I bet you are, monkey. Let's see what you've got."