Ornament A Day ~ 11

Since yesterday was my first ornament, today is hubby's first ornament. Who remembers Shrinky Dinks? He still loves this ornament. The date on this cure little soldier boy is 1980. Who knew hubby was so artistic?

Ornament A Day ~ 10

This was my OWN very first ornament. I was four years old and it was given to me by my favorite aunt, Auntie Joan. This sweet angel used to have a bell that she was holding, but it disappeared long ago. I remember, as my mom decorated our tree growing up, I would look for this ornament to put on myself. 

Auntie Joan lived in Minnesota. I spent a summer visiting her between my 8th and 9th grade. It was a lot of fun! I, also, took Emma there to visit during January! It was cold, but Emma was only three, and she bundled up easily. Auntie Joan passed away a few years back. I am grateful to have this on my tree to remember her by.

Ornament A Day ~ 9

The reason for the wonderful Christmas season is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This was made by Emma when she was three years old at church. This baby Jesus sits gently on our tree, year after year. 

Ornament A Day~ 8

It is no secret that I love the beach! Not particularly the sand, but I love the view of any water. It makes me happy and instantly calm. This ornament was bought in Newport Beach, CA a while back. While we lived in Northern California we spent a week in Newport one winter. Orange County holds a special place in my heart because I went to school at Cal State Fullerton and Newport was my playground. That particular trip was a blast as the weather was nice, we went to Disneyland and played in the tide pools. Not to mention, Laguna is right near by and who doesn't love Laguna Beach?

Ornament A Day ~ 7

Disneyland has been a huge part of my life. From memories, as a child, to my "fun" days of being in costume there! But my all-time favorite memories of Disneyland are the ones I had there when my children were little. Each year, of our first ten years of marriage, we purchased a Disneyland ornament for our tree. 

We were lucky enough to have season passes while Emma was little and Dayton was a baby and toddler. I will never forget moments like Emma dancing with Snow White and having sparkles in her eyes. Or the time when Dayton had a sword fight with Captain Hook. 

Sadly, Disneyland prices have turned us away a little bit now, but I love reminiscing about our memories with each ornament. 

Ornament A Day ~ 6

You will soon learn that I am Disney lover...not a fanatic, but I do love the magic of Disney! My sweet mother-in-law knows that about me and, one year, gifted these two Lenox ornaments to the kiddos. They really are so pretty and we love anything personalized, right? The only problem is is that when my kids take all of their ornaments, for their own trees, mine will be pretty bare...oh well, more shopping!

I am so grateful for my mother and father-in-law. They have always treated me like their daughter and are such wonderful grandparents for my kids. It has been such a blessing to be able to live closer to them now. 

Ornament A Day ~ 5

Today we are hopping across the pond!

Travel is a big part of our family, not by my choice. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to sound ungrateful. The experiences we have had, as a family, are insurmountable because of the places we've been to. I just get SUPER anxious about all the details...hence the reason I like to go back to the same places.

But enough talk about me, let's get to these chaps. I got these at The Buckingham Palace shop (one of my favorite boutique-style places) on my first trip to London. I went with my mom and sister and WE HAD A BLAST! My kiddos were little and hubby encouraged me to go. There is not a week that goes by when I don't think of something fun from that trip!