A Family Tradition

Back story: Back in the early 80's, before my brother was born, we were a family of four (my parents, my sister and I.) Returning from a business trip one day, my dad brought back these jade turtles (2 big ones and 2 little ones) explaining that they were meant to represent the four of us.

About twenty years later, my dad surprised us kids (3 now including my brother) with gifts out of the blue. My sister and I got Bvlgari b.zero necklaces and my brother got a little blue box that held a sparkly crystal turtle. We placed it ceremoniously by the original clan of four and we all felt a sense of fulfillment now that we were complete.

Fast forward eight years, my sister and I (along with 1 child each) arrived in Manila about a week ago. On our first night, we were presented with matching Swarovski gift bags.

 

Each of our bags held these three boxes...

...and we opened them up to find these. Our own little turtle families!!
Such a beautiful and thoughtful gift! I love my dad!!

Here is my baby turtle placed next to the originals.

To give you an idea of how delicate and tiny our baby turtle is, I placed it next to this chapstick. I cannot wait to bring the turtles back to Chicago and find a place for them in our home. 

I think this may top my list of best gifts received. What's the best gift you ever received?