This is REIL fun

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Ali's #9

Ali celebrated her 9th birthday a few times.

First, on the day of, she had a new outfit to wear to school.

Yes, she liked it!

On the day of her family party, we got up early to get to the mall right as it opened so we could go for a stuffy ride!

Kaleb opted not to join us, but he got some fun pictures of the rest of us!

Kaleb, Noé, and Gavin first rode these critters when we lived in Taiwan.

Back at home, we had to take more pictures.

Later on, she opened her gifts.

Cake time!

Let's eat!

That's better! Happy Birthday Ali!!

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club

I don't understand why Blogger puts my pictures on backwards sometimes, but it happened again with this post. You may want to scroll to the bottom to read this post in the right order.

This ornament was another special one for this year, and I bought it for my friend, Alissa, who also turned 50 this year.

I mentioned that along with the 3 ornaments, the dream box also had a lapel pin, and a box of playing cards. The playing cards each had a different ornament from 1973-2023 to make up the 52 cards. If you do the math, you'll see they would need one more ornament to complete the 52, so they put in two for 1997 (one regular size and one mini). Leonard and I loved that since we were married in 1997. The deck also has two jokers, but they used the above picture for both of them. I think they should have used the 2023 ornament above for one of the jokers, so I'm posting both pictures here to remember them. I bought this ornament for my friend, Airi, who turned 50 this year.

There are two levels, and the two mini ornaments also fit inside!

You can lift the lid to find mini versions of Hallmark ornaments through the years.

The third ornament is Santa's Ornament Treasures.

The second ornament is another mini, Li'l Beauty of Birds.

Mr. Santa, isn't he cute? He was originally a yarn ornament.

The first ornament, Jolly Old St Nick is holding a mini version of one of the original ornaments from 1973.

Along with a $5 off coupon (I received a total of 6 of them throughout the year), I received these 5 treasures- 3 ornaments, a lapel pin, and a deck of playing cards.

I already had a Dream Book from my local shop, but I was happy to get another one.

Of course, Hallmark sent a card with their gift!

2023 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, so I decided to join their club! I received a welcome packet in the mail with my membership card as soon as I joined. Shortly after I received this Dream box. Each picture will show what it contained. Being a member also allowed me to join an exclusive Facebook group; receive 12 e-newsletters; receive 4 seasonal mailers; the option to purchase exclusive ornaments; shop early at their Premiere in July, Debut in October, and 'Tis the Season in December; I also received a VIP bag with 2 free ornaments, salt and pepper shakers, a trinket tray, a wine glass, and a pair of holiday socks. I had a lot of fun being in the club, but I didn't renew for 2024. I think I'll just join again in 2073!