Looking for a Tradition

As I was walking around the mall earlier this week, I found myself looking at tshirts and magnets and posters that said "Portland" and thinking that I want to come up with some way to collect a momento for each city we visit.

None of those things appealed to me.  They're too fleeting, take up too much space in our suitcases, or aren't meaningful enough.  I started thinking about what other people do to remember each city they've visited.

My mom has always bought us Christmas ornaments from each place visited.  I love that tradition, and will continue it for Kaylee (she got a cute little ornament from Disneyland) but it doesn't seem quite meaningful enough for what I'm looking for.

One of the swing techs on the show gets a flower tattoo on her arm for each city, using colors from the city's flag to make them personal.  That's more along the lines I'm looking for... but tattoos aren't really my style (needles!!!).

I definitely take oodles of pictures, and work them into digital scrapbook pages and use them here or on Facebook.  Those are great ways to keep memories.  But I want some tangible way to see and remember how many different places we'll visit and something special about that place.  For example, right now, I want to remember the sun and the beach and playgrounds of LA and the rivers and bridges of Portland.

Something artistic.  Something I can work on while Kaylee naps.  Like knitting a different hat for each city.

What would you do?