We told most of the story in the fall newsletter, but that letter does not go to our entire data base, so please forgive any repetition. So much to tell…. We got to be a part of history and it truly is an eye opening experience. We arrived in Nairobi Kenya Dec 28th, right as the Kenyan elections were unfolding. We had been made aware that the elections were to occur during our trip, but we had already booked our tickets, prior to the date of the election being set, so we consulted with the Kenyans and since the country usually only experiences brief periods of unrest during an election, we continued with our plans. Those plans were to help with buildings while we were there, but God had other plans. We did a lot of feeding, praying and supporting the locals and not much building. For a little while, most stores where closed so it was difficult to get supplies. We had brought quite a bit of food with us, so when young men would walk out from the slums we would listen to their stories and make them care packages. It was a bizarre time to be in Kenya, but I do feel that we had a purpose. Brian, Heather, Noah and Gabe (a missionary family from Roscoe) have become great friends, and they were very grateful for the company. When the stores did open we divided up to get supplies. If we bought five chickens then five people would show up at the gate needing food. We were also able to purchase a load of food through First Love and drop if off at Uhura Park, the area designated for displaced people from the slums. It was difficult when the slums were burning at night and not be able to do anything, and it felt bizarre to hang out laundry and hear gun shots in the distance. Our family returned home with a much greater appreciation for all of our many blessings. In August, a few of us were able to return to Kenya to work with the children and bring supplies. That trip was very reassuring as we were able to meet back up with our friends and to see first hand how they were doing, as it had been difficult getting on the plane to come home in January. While we were there in August we purchased quite a few items for the gift shop, proceeds of which will go to feed children.

Sometimes life is all good and sometimes it is difficult. Last year’s season was a very different one for us but we pray that your trip here was as memorable and delightful as ever. Being family owned and operated is a great asset, but last year it was a struggle for us. Just before we opened for the season, Uncle Ted Ulferts was taken from us on Nov 16th, and then the day after Thanksgiving Grandpa (Wayne Williams) fell and spent the rest of the season in the hospital, passing from this life on December 17th. Both men were great lovers of the farm and we miss them both. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support. It was amazing to us to receive flowers and condolences from many of our long time customers and friends. We would also like to thank our employees who stepped up and really carried us through the season. You are the best! Grass and flowers fade, but memories live on forever. The circle of life continues though as we are so blessed to anticipate a new member of the family, the first of the fifth generation. Harper Elizabeth Williams is due Nov 26th and we cannot wait as the adventure of life adds another chapter and we celebrate Christmas with a new bundle of joy.

After the holidays and travels it was back to the farm, and the birth of lots and lots of puppies. A wonderful blessing of golden joy and the fun of meeting new families as they choose which puppy will go home with them. THen there was the crazy weather, making it a challenge to know which way to go, what to concentrate on. Plowing and more plowing. Planning for the next year and seminars to teach and encourage us. Spring finally rolled around, with much tree work to catch up on, seedlings to plant, and trees to dig, and plenty of water to go around, rain and more rain… June brought camp week, receptions or parties on every weekend and the start of tree shearing that goes on for months and months. Quick vacations squeezed in, not to mention another family wedding in August, with Brad (the oldest fourth generation to get married) and Elisenda’s (Eli’s) beautiful ceremony in the wedding garden. In the midst of all that were projects and fixing equipment. Then the realization of Michelle being a senior and Jennifer getting her license, where does the time go? The end of summer meant a quick trip back to Kenya for a few of us and then time to put things together for the fall and Christmas season. We had beautiful weather this fall and enjoyed watching families come for a visit. We also had lots and lots of extra company during the fall, with scout groups, school tours, tour buses and more. On to Christmas with wreaths and roping to make, trees to cut, new fudge flavors to try and to make, also delicious soups, apple pie, roasted nuts, yum!!!

An old but trusted recipe, and be sure to get extra kisses for the cook!

1 cup granulated sugar

With mixer combine butter, peanut butter and sugar, blend until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; blend. In a separate bowl, blend flour, salt and soda, add to cream mixture and stir well. Roll dough into quarter sized balls. Roll ball in bowl of sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, take out and place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Bake an additional 2 minutes.

Have you ever watched kids on a merry go round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

Do you run through each day on the fly, when you
ask “how are you”, do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the
next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

Ever told your child “we’ll do it tomorrow”
and in your haste not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,
cause you never had time to call and say “hi”?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it is like an unopened gift…thrown away.

Life is not a race, do take it slower,
hear the music before the song is over.

Webster defines tradition as the handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to the next. As uncertainty swirls around us, we find that those traditions are of even more importance. Here is a poem via the internet about grabbing those fleeting moments.

One of the most unique new things this year is square wreaths. We have seen them in magazines, found a supplier of square  wreath “rings” and are very excited to offer them to you. We redecorated the offices, putting on a false front with gables and a roof, which we think does a great job displaying all sorts of wreaths, roping and Christmas decorations. The gift shop is loaded with lots of new items; LED lights, tons of tree toppers, new colors and schemes. An igloo with penguins greets you as you walk in the door. We are very excited to offer something new and tasty in the Candy Corner, fudge advent calendars and twelve days of Christmas boxes, the proceeds of which will go to support Outdoor Outreach and First Love Kenya. Don’t forget all the new critters that have joined the farm. Mac, our new golden puppy from California is taking to tree farm life. His friend Diesel comes to work with Eli, he loves to romp and play with the other dogs. There is also a new bird Sky, new ponies, draft horses, the” zoo” just keeps growing and growing. We have rearranged the baler area and sales barn. We hope that you like the new additions and improvements.

Young and old alike cannot wait for the holiday season and the wondrous sounds, scents and sights that fill the air at Christmas time. They sweep over our senses, bringing anticipation and poignant memories. The beauty of a winter day, snow glistening like diamonds in the sunlight, the delightful smell of pine, as tree branches dance in the breeze. Laughter fills the air as loads of memory makers trot by, horse’s harnesses jingling as the wagon creaks over the snowy road. Mittened children struggling to pet the dogs, hardly able to bend, all bundled up in snowsuits and boots, pink noses and sparkling eyes peaking out from between a scarf and hat, bright with innocent joy. The fun of watching rowdy boys pelting each other with snowballs as dad labors to build the “best ever” snowman. Williams Tree Farm is honored to be a part of your traditions. The warmth and the scent of the fire bathe the lodge with a welcoming glow. We love to watch as families gather after their adventure in the woods, warming by the toasty fire, sipping hot chocolate, munching fudge and comparing stories, waiting as Mom’s browse through the gift shop looking for that special ornament or gift. Wathcing families stroll through the tree barn, deciding which wreath would look best over the mantle. There is so much to see and do; Kiddie train rides, pony rides, visits with Santa, and his reindeer or a trip through the blizzard. You can just feel the anticipation and joy of the season. We love Christmas and all that it has to offer. The joyous celebrating of family and friends, of stolen moments taking a break from the chaos of Christmas, with a cup of coffee, a comfy chair, a warm blanket and fire, to reflect on our many blessings. There is the challenge of dashing through the mall looking for just the right gift, then wrapping presents through the night, the fun of gathering to watch old classic Christmas movies like White Christmas, or Miracle on 34th St. What a delight to choose delicious old recipes to bake and to share. The times of tear making laughter as your toddler tries to help you untangle the lights and trim the tree. The quiet times of church services celebrating the joy of the Savior’s birth, Christmas carols washing over us, bringing us peace and joy. Capturing pajama clad children as they rush down the stairs on Christmas morning. All the memories… our wish for you this Christmas season is that you will embrace each moment and find joy in everything!