Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments are a staple in our family ... and the subject of many inside jokes. You see, my brother, sister and I used to be, shall we say, "over the edge" when it comes to these little gems. We had collectors' books. We were members of clubs just for collectors. We stalked the Internet looking for good deals on older ornaments. We even showed up at Hallmark stores for midnight ornament premieres. In the middle of July. (We don't do anything half-assed, you know.) This started in the mid-1990s and snowballed from there until we realized that, yes, you CAN have too many Christmas ornaments. We have since given away many of our "ornies" ... but we each still have nice collections of the ornaments that are special to us.
Anyway ... I have started a small collection for Kate. And she recently received an addition to it--it's the new old-school Fisher-Price school bus ornament. It looks just like the old Little People school bus that we played with as kids. As soon as I saw it, I loved it. And with her love for school bus toys and such, I knew Kate would, too. That's why I thought it would be a perfect gift to buy with some of her birthday money from Grammy and Grampy. Not only does it fit with Kate's personality and likes for this year, but also it reflects a special toy that my parents had for us as children. It reminds me of my childhood, too.
Kate and I picked up the bus ornament at the Hallmark store last week. I was sure to take it with us to Tennessee earlier this week so Grammy and Grampy could sign it for her, to add to its specialness. They were happy to do so, of course. Kate just wanted to play with the ornament--LOL! She kept saying, "Bus! Bus!" She may like the ornament now, but I think she will especially appreciate it--and the other ornaments we'll be saving for her--when she is older.
Here are a few more photos ... enjoy! Merry Christmas!
I too get so excited every year when I get that e-mail from Hallmark and look through the catalog, even in July! I just love Christmas! I haven't decided what to buy yet!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE ornaments! I am fascinated with snowman. Every year, the day after Christmas, I go crazy stocking up on the sales. What a great gift for Kate. I'm sure she will enjoy it forever. To this day, I am still in awe everytime I put up our Christmas tree and watch it in all its beauty.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you live life - everything is so special and such an occasion - I'm blessed to know you!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, that is too cute, I am going to have to get one.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Little People(and you)...Steve pulled out one of my old toy boxes the other day as we wanted to see if there was anything age appropriate for Adam, and guess what I found? A whole bag of little people AND the little people boat! You were the first person I thought of-I didn't even know I had that one and the bag of little people was in my groovy 1970's style barbie storage case...I didn't know I had any people ! YEA!
YAY for Christmas in July! :o) Bethany, you are too sweet--we need to get together soon! I am the blessed one to know YOU--I need to e-mail you. Holly! What a gold mine! We love our old Little People--the little cars are some of Kate's favorite toys right now. Is it the big boat or the little camping boat? We have the big boat--it's out in the play room right now. We need to have a Little People play date so we can play and the kids can watch. LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt is the big boat, I also have the barn and the school house and the barn, but sadly no barn animals...I do have one car that has a trailer that goes behind it. Yes, we should play while they watch-we need a playdate anyway! We also need to all get together for dinner, it is our turn to come into town!
ReplyDeleteI buy Hallmark ornaments every year too. As a matter of fact, I'm actually going to the store today to put my ornaments on layaway. I missed the ornament premiere because we were in Canada, so today it is. I love hallmark ornaments!
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