Pins #535-538: US Olympic Team 1992

This is a set of pins representing the 1992 USA Olympic team.  It's a nice set of pins, but pretty generic when it comes to Olympic pins.  I don't remember where I got it, though.  But I do want to look into the set more to see if I can find out where it came from.

Pins #528-534: Celebrate the Mountains Disneyland Set

This set celebrates the Disneyland mountain range.  It has pins representing all the mountains in both parks, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Grizzly Mountain, and the Matterhorn.  Three of the mountains were celebrating anniversaries when this set was released.  I first saw the set while I was on a field trip with my students.  It was rather expensive so I was unsure about buying it.  But I really wanted it.  I went back to Disneyland three weeks later for my birthday and I kept seeing it, calling to me.  I decided that it would have to be my birthday gift to myself, so I sucked it up and bought it.  It is one of the prize sets in my collection and I have it on display in my living room.

Pin #527: Everyone Needs Deadlines

This is a jumbo pin featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.  The pin is shaped like gears and even includes moving parts.  And it showcases the Walt Disney quote, "Everyone needs Deadlines."  It was a gift from my mom.  I think it is really cool!

Pin #526: 2011 MLB All Star Game - Chase Field

This is another limited edition All Star Game pin I found at the Fan Fest.  This one features Chase Field with the All Star Game and Diamondbacks logos in front.  I thought it was a cool looking pin.

Pins #522-525: 2011 MLB All Star Game Set

I bought this set when I went to the 2011 MLB All Star Game.  At the Fan Fest there were a lot of vendors selling all kinds of merchandise, pins included.  I saw this set and really liked it.  Plus, it said it was limited edition, which I thought made it even better.  The pins feature a taste of Arizona with the state flag and cactus, one with Chase Field, and another with the All Star Game logo.  All in all, a really cool set.

Pin #521: Piece of Disneyland History - Muppet Vision 3D

The Piece of History pins feature an actual physical piece of the attraction that is featured on the pin.  When I first heard about these pins, I got really excited.  They are released periodically and in limited numbers.  I make sure to look for them whenever I go to the park.  During a recent visit I found this one, featuring Muppet Vision 3D.  I love the Muppets and that show, so I had to buy it.  The pin contains a piece of the Swedish Chef's costume.

Pin #520: Official Conscience

There is quite a story behind this pin.  I saw it the last time I was at Disneyland at the Westward Ho Trading Company, which is a big pin trading outpost at the park.  I really liked it, but I didn't buy it at the time for some reason.  Later that night I went to buy a bunch of pins at a different store, but couldn't find this one.  So I went to another store on Main Street and they didn't have it either.  They told me to check back at Westward Ho, but when I went over there it was closed.  I checked at least three other stores in the park and asked countless employees, all with no luck.  That was the only place I could get that pin and I missed my chance.  I half expected an employee to walk over there and just get it for me, but they didn't.  I told myself I would get it next time I was there or try to find it online.  Once again, I had no luck online, and gave up my search.  Then recently I got a surprise package in the mail.  One of my friends who was there with me during my frantic search found it online and bought it for me!  It was such a nice surprise!  I will cherish this pin forever.

Pin #519: Disneyland Diamond Celebration - Disney's Original Theme Park

This is probably my favorite of the Disneyland 60 pins that my friends got me.  It features classic Mickey with Sleeping Beauty's Castle in the background.  And the inscription on top reads, "Walt Disney's Original Theme Park" which I think is really cool.  I just love the look and feel of this pin!

Pin #518: Vanderbilt

A friend of mine sent me a text showing that he was at a basketball game at Vanderbilt.  It's quite a unique arena at which to watch a game.  I was a little jealous.  During the course of our conversation I mentioned that he should look for a pin for me.  And he did!  This is what he got.  It's a no frills pin, but it has the school logo, which is cool.

Pin #517: Disneyland 60 - Opening Day

Here is another pin from the Disneyland 60 celebration that my friends got for me.  This one celebrates Opening Day and features Sleeping Beauty's Castle.  It's a really beautiful pin.

Pin #516: Star Wars Force Friday Pin

I got this pin on Force Friday, which is the day that all the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise was released.  The Disney Store gave away this pin to the first 100 customers who made a purchase.  I got up early and went to the store to buy something just to get it.  I'm so happy I did!

Pin #515: Germany

This is another pin that my coworker got me from her trip to Europe.  She spent most of her time in Germany and found this pin for me.  It features the colors of the German flag and some sort of crest.  It's kind of cool, and I appreciate that she thought of me.