This year for our "yearly traditional" ornament we decided to go with our visit to Betsy's house in Texas. Near the end of June we traveled out there for a month and stayed with her and her family. It was a fun and memorable experience. We always love spending time with family. (I'm also wishing that we were in Texas right about now out of the cold and snow.)I still have yet to do a family picture, but I have everything ready. Now that Jake is out of school for the year (2 weeks) I just need snow and one good weathered day. I won't go a year without one so here's crossing my fingers.
P.S. I never cleared the confusion from last year. I only pictured the ornament with the family picture and no description. Since it was a secret until the year was up, I couldn't say anything. It was a glass diamond with a book on it to celebrate Jacob going back to college.
The kids woke up a little before nine. We got dressed and ready to give Jake a little extra sleeping time. Here are some highlights.
Kirsten has been scoping out this build-a-bear dog for months. It's my kind of pet for inside. It came with several different outfits.
Cruz got some extensions for his Thomas the Train set. We can finally build a fun track. 
Katanya got a kitchen set (as she played with Hazels non-stop while we were in Texas). Kirsten picked out a doll as her gift to her and that has been her favorite. She eats, sleeps, and rides with it everywhere.