Christmas Tree Farm
The family of four were once again in the car. Today, they were on their way to pick out a real Christmas tree. Tony had been adamant about dressing the kids up in their snow suits and dragging everyone to an authentic Christmas tree farm, where you could cut down your own tree- just like he’d done with his parents growing up.
It was quite a ride, considering they had to drive out of New York first and then a couple miles outside the city. But it was worth it for the memories, in Tony’s opinion.
Peter was over the moon thrilled to be picking out a real tree.
“I’ve never had anything but plastic,” the teen told the car, vibrating in his seat in his excitement, “no one ever wanted real trees, and I had no say in anything so each year we decorated one of those fake ones you get at Walmart and stuff.”
“None of that here,” Tony glanced at the boy through the rear-view mirror, Peter’s smile instantly brightening his already bright mood.
It made the billionaire happy to see Peter just as happy was he was about this. It was just such a fond memory, and something he wanted to share with his kids. The only reason Pepper had been against the real pine tree was that they drop pine and Morgan was still in that ‘put everything in her mouth’ faze.
Luckily, Tony had Peter on his side, who begged Pepper with his irresistible puppy-eyes, promising to sweep under the tree every day. Pepper had agreed, thankfully.
When they pulled into the practically snowed in Christmas tree parking lot, Tony’s grin was wide.
“Who’s ready to pick the perfect tree?”
“I am!” Peter beamed. “I can’t wait!”
“Atta boy!” Tony laughed. “C’mon, everyone out. You get Morgan, Pep. I’ll get the sled and the axe out of the trunk.”
It didn’t take long to get everything set up. The sled was loaded with Morgan, wrapped in a warm blanket. Tony decided to carry the axe, not wanting it anywhere near the delicate baby- and also not really wanting Peter’s hands on it.
Pepper was fussing over the kids; adjusting Morgan’s little mittens and scarf and repeatedly pulling Peter’s hat down over his ears and then pulling his hood up.
Tony just snorted at her. It was a little cold, but not cold enough for this much coddling. He still let her do as she pleased, grinning at Peter’s slight look of embarrassment as Pepper pressed a kiss to his cheek after tucking his scarf into his jacket.
Pepper was pulling the sled, a little behind Peter and Tony who were looking for the perfect tree.
“Peter Benjamin,” Pepper scolded, “put your gloves back on.”
“Sorry!” Peter laughed, tugging the cotton mittens back on his hands. Peter had slipped them off to pick up some snow, not wanted the cotton to get wet. Tony snorted, then Pepper gave him a disapproving glare.
“Relax, Honey,” Tony laughed, throwing his arm over Peter’s shoulders, “Pete’s got it covered, right, Kiddo?”
“I’m fine, Pepper, really!” Peter chirped, leaning a little more into Tony.
Pepper rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips was more than enough to prove she wasn’t actually irritated at them.
The group wondered around for a while, scoping out possible trees. Peter, as it turned out, was a picky little brat. He was legit looking for the perfect tree.
“How’s ‘bout this one?” Tony questioned, pointing to a rather full looking tree. It was tall, but short enough to fit perfectly in the penthouse.
Peter gave the tree an examination, humming to himself as he circled the tree. He opened his mouth to speak, but something else caught his attention first. His hand shot out, pointing towards a tree a little bit into the distance.
“That one!”
Tony and Pepper turned to look at the tree. It was a little shorter than the one Tony had picked out. It was a bit fuller and looked fluffier. There was a dusting of light snow covering the tree and Tony had to admit it was pretty darn perfect.
“Tree!” Morgan gave Peter a bright smile.
“Yeah, Momo! We’ve found a good one, haven’t we?”
“Up!” Peter was quick to swoop the toddler up into his arms. Morgan turned in his arms to look at Tony who was walking towards the tree with the axe.
“Are we gonna watch Daddy cut down the tree?” Peter cooed, “watch Daddy.”
Morgan, Pepper and Peter all stood at a safe distance, watching Tony cut down the tree. It only took a couple minutes, and in no time, the tree was falling onto the snow dusted ground.
Peter passed Morgan over to Pepper, then moved to help Tony with the tree.
“It’s perfect,” Peter grinned, “I can’t wait to see it in the penthouse! Just imagine how pretty it’ll look all decorated!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Tony laughed, “now, you’re all muscle, right? You’ve gotta help me carry this guy back to the car since someone’s already riding shotgun in the sled.”
Peter glanced back at where Morgan was once again cuddled into the blankets in the sled. Pepper was crouched down tucking her in tightly to block out the cool chill.
“I’ve got it,” Peter promised, “can I carry from the bottom?”
“Sure,” Tony shrugged, moving to grab the top of the tree securely. “Pepper, think you can manage the sled and the axe?”
Pepper pulled the sled towards them, picking up the axe and waving them off.
The trek back to the car was slower than the one to the tree. The tree, as perfect as it was, was a bit heavier than anticipated, and Peter kept losing his grip with the mittens on. They paused, only for Peter to strip of his mittens and stuff them into his pocket so he’d have more control over his grip.
Pepper huffed her disapproval, shaking her head at the boys.
Together, Peter and Tony strapped the tree to the top of the car as Morgan and Pepper wat in the car. It was on, so the heat would be on for the toddler.
“Got it?” Tony asked as Peter pulled one of the ropes tight.
“Yeuh,” Peter huffed as Tony rounded to knot the rope. When they finished securing the tree, Tony gave the boy a bright smile.
“Good work, Pete. You’ve got a good eye for Christmas trees,” Peter flushed at the praise, “now, I’ll go pay. You better get in the car and warm up those pink cheeks before Pepper has both of our heads.”
Peter grinned as Tony patted his shoulder. The teen slipped into the car, grinning at Pepper who turned to look at him.
“Have fun?” She questioned with a tilt of her head.
“You bet!” Peter beamed. He looked at Morgan, then back at Pepper, smiling wide at her.
“Hands cold?” Pepper asked again. Peter shrugged.
“A bit,” Peter responded, sheepishly rubbing his hands together and blowing his hot breath on them. “But worth it!”