TRADTIONS PART 2

We have another Christmas tradition which involves ornaments.  Every year before we decorate the tree, we go on a hunt for new ornaments for each of the kids.  When they were little the hunts were very easy, just one stop at either Hallmark or Target and we were done.  Now that they are older, especially the boys, they are much more particular and we have to hunt a little harder.  This year we started at Target where Miss Vinny immediately spotted this little number (she loves penguins) and she was set..

 

The boys could not find anything so we went to Michael's.  They wanted to go to the Hallmark store but we don't know where that is yet. They were getting discouraged at Michael's when suddenly Patrick spotted these..

 

They are collecting keys to wear around their necks, the latest craze. So, they were set.  The kids decided that Charlie and I should also get a new ornament so here is what Charlie picked out..

 

And here is what I picked out..

 

I have a thing lately for owls so I was very excited when I saw this little guy.

When we got home we got out the rest of the ornaments and we get organized by who they belong to and when they were received. Then we start with Charlie who puts on the first ornament which belonged to his mother..

Then the kids each put on their first ornament...

Patrick goes first

 

Then Mitchell...

Then Vinny

Then they continue putting on their ornaments in order of when they received them. The last ornament they put on is the newest one that we just bought.  Patrick and Mitchell went together since they bought the same ornament.

Then Vinny put on her cute Penguin..

Charlie's new ornament is also a Penguin who is playing the violin.

And I put up my cute little snowy owl.

 

When they get married they will receive a nice box with all of their ornaments  for their own tree.  Charlie and I will have to start all over again with new ornaments by then. 

The tree still has a few spots where there are no ornaments and spots where there are 4 ornaments all clumped together but I think that is part of it's charm.  The kids are getting better at decorating it every year and I am getting better at leaving it alone every year.