We have a family tradition of planting a tree on our child’s first birthday. Every year we take a picture of our child with their tree. We have tried to match up the bloom with their birthday. Corban is a different story because he was born in the winter when a freeze had already set in. So, we had to postpone his tree planting until he was 18 months old (or a tad bit older than that). We chose an apple tree for him. His middle name is John, so we thought of Johnny Appleseed. We also bought him a honeycrisp variety because he is as sweet as anything. Also, I grew up with an apple tree, so I’ve always wanted one for us too. Of course, we had to buy two so they could cross pollinate, so we also have a gala apple tree now. I’m so excited to get fruit too. With our pear tree and new garden, we are in pretty good shape around here. Tree planting has been a fabulous tradition for us, and I know it’s going to be so fun for the kids to have pictures of them with their trees every year. I came up with the idea when my husband took me to his childhood house. He was talking about how small the trees used to be. It just clicked.
Kenzie has a magnolia tree. We made the mistake of taking the picture at her birthday party this year rather than her actual birthday. The tree bloomed a couple days before her actual birthday and had that beautiful flower.
Abigail is a weeping cherry tree.
I think this is hands down one of the coolest first birthday ideas I have ever seen!
OH – Thank you so much. I am sooo glad we did this. I am glad you see the value in it too. It’s definitely a favorite tradition of ours.
This is such a precious idea!! I LOVE it!! It’s so cute that your children are able to claim their own trees and hopefully be able to share them with their children:) Wonderful idea!
Thank you so much. It’s been a pretty special tradition for our family.
Oh.. just shared it on my FB page and Google+.
Thank you so much for exposing your readers to this. I love that you love it enough to share it. Thank you for that.
Oh I love this idea! Very sweet! Although my little ones are 3 and 6 now…Maybe I can have them plant a tree at 5 and 10?
I don’t think it’s ever too late, and I’d love to know if you did this idea.
What a great idea! I love this! My son will be 1 in less than 2 months
I don’t know if we have room for a tree, but maybe we can come up with something similar…
I’d love to see what you end up doing.
this is darling….i would love to have you share this post over here at Fishtail Cottage’s garden party this next thursday? xoox, tracie
I’m so sorry. I didn’t get over there in time. I’ve been so busy this week. Thanks so much for stopping by.
I think it’s a wonderful idea!
Planting a tree simbolizes a lot
Believe it or not – in my family there is a similar tradition, but it’s beeing done once the child is born
Beautiful family you have
That’s so cool that you have a similar tradition. It does symbolize a lot. I appreciate your sweet words.
What a terrific idea! Love everything about it…your family photos are just so sweet too!
Thank you so much. This really is one of my favorite traditions. It means a lot to us.
that’s the coolest tradition!!! wodnerful that each kiddo get a tree that was thoughtfully chosen for them. thanks so much for sharing it at tip-toe thru tuesday!
Thank you so much. It really does seem like their trees fit their personalities.
I just love your blog…thanks for drop by my blog and now I’m following your back!
Thank you so much. Your post about submitting my content to sites has been one of the most helpful blogging advice I’ve been given. Thanks for that. We’ll see if it pays off.
What a sweet idea!
Thank you so much.
I absolutely LOVE this idea!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Thank you! It’s a fun tradition.