My mom always wants an artificial tree, but we veto her. It wouldn't look right in a log home.
I just hope we can find a good one when I get home! They're waiting, but I'm not sure how many good big trees will be leftover by that weekend - same one as your boys.
My wife raises that possibility periodically as well. My kids count on me to stand like a rock on that one.
Your parents live in a log cabin?
Dan
I think you'd be surprised just how nice they look. When all the lights and ornaments are on it, you cannot tell it's a fake! Hang a couple of balsalm or pine scented ornaments on it and you'll even get the lovely smell of Christmas, too!