Fortunately, Unfortunately

Do you remember that kids' story Fortunately ? It was this huge see-saw of a picture book where things were good, and then went horribly wrong.  That pretty much describes this years tree hunt.

Fortunately, we were on our way to our annual super fun tree hunt.
Unfortunately, we were in a serious car accident.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Unfortunately, the car wasn't going anywhere, we were on a busy scary hiway, and we had the dog with us.
Fortunately, my sister was meeting us nearby and could pick me and the dog and the boy up so I could go with her husband to get our other car, and boy could get lunch and hang out with his cousins.

Unfortunately, the Holiday Parade was that day, and traffic was insane.
Fortunately, we made it back to my car and put the dog safely and happily in the house.
(Dogs who already hate the car, really hate to be in accidents. He's all A-OK except the stress.)

Unfortunately, it's 30 minutes back to the rest of the family and now MY husband is at the tow yard in a different location, different town.
Fortunately, we have two cars, so we divide and conquer.
Unfortunately, everyone is very low on fuel.
Fortunately, we pick up family members, find gas stations and head up the hill.

Unfortunately, Sister's car breaks down on winding one lane mountain road and is not drive-able and must be towed. And she and her husband have all the kids.
Fortunately, we were right behind them and took the kids back to our place so we could wait to find out where they would be towed.

Unfortunately, it looked like it would be expensive. And we still had no trees.
Fortunately, it was free if they were towed back toward our house, to our favorite local mechanic.

Unfortunately, no rental cars until the next day means they are stranded.
Fortunately, that meant a sleepover... with cocktails.

Unfortunately, that meant after a trip to the drugstore, sister Sarah had to leave her contacts in saline solution in little pudding dishes and we are pretty sure the cats drank one of them.
Fortunately, she was fine with one and we got the rental car and it was upgraded to a hybrid and we were on our way to the tree hunt.

Unfortunately, it started to rain.
Fortunately, we were beyond caring.