Last summer we were able to take our family and meet my parents in Hawai’i. This was no ordinary vacation. First, we were celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Second, I grew up in Hawai’i and my parents had lived there 25 years, so we were all returning home. Third, my son was born in Hawai’i but had left when he was 2 and didn’t remember much. But my daughters had gone to school there and it was a little of bit returning home for them, too. And fourth, it is Hawai’i!
Every morning my children and I would get up early (thank you time difference) and walk along the beach as the sun was rising. It was so beautiful. So peaceful. So wonderous. So precious to spend this time with my children. We created some beautiful memories each of those mornings.
I wanted to create a keepsake for them to remember this time together. I didn’t want to buy a souvenir. I wanted something beautiful in it’s simplicity and treasured because it was mommy-made.
Fortunately, we’d started collecting tiny sea shells and pieces of coral on our first morning adventure. Every morning after that I made sure that we collected other items, like shells, coral, pebbles, palm fibers, and even crab legs.
When we got home I found these perfect little bottles in the clearance section at an office supply store (but you could use baby food jars or wedding favor jars that you can find in a craft store).
I filled each jar with the treasures each child had found and added items I’d found also.
I added a simple hand-written label. (I wanted the label to be written in my own handwriting to make it more personal, even though I don’t like my handwriting).
And each of my children haven chosen to keep their memory bottles in a prominent location in their rooms. Mission accomplished. The items were free but the memories are priceless!
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I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Winnie says
It’s the most beautiful post I’ve read in a very long time.
While reading I could actually see you with you kids walking on the beach…..
And the souvenirs are wonderful:)
Susan@Organized31 says
Winnie, thank you for your sweet comments. I’m hoping my children will always see us walking together on the beach, just as you did.
Judy Haughton-James says
What a great idea! They look lovely Susan and such a wonderful way for your children to have memories of their time in Hawaii! My mom used to collect seashells when she was very young. I once went to a hotel in Ocho Rios and saw a display unit filled with seashells. It was so beautiful.
Susan@Organized31 says
There’s something so magical about seashells, isn’t there? Judy, thanks for sharing my love of the simple and of beautiful memories.
Al@PolkaDotsandPaisley says
These are such thoughtful and adorable souvenirs. I love that you used your own handwriting.
Susan@Organized31 says
Al, thank you for your sweet comments. I know I treasure items in my mom’s handwriting. I hope that some day my children will feel the same way.
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
Love it!!
Linda @ A La Carte says
What a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing! I am pinning this for sure!