Great Grandma Budke bought the girls, myself, and mom Peoria Charter tickets to go to the American Girl Doll Store in Chicago on Good Friday. I had a hard time facing the fact that mom would not be going with us and knew that I would need to have someone who would thoroughly embrace the shopping day and so my BFF Sherry was there to rescue to me! Chris offered to go first, but with the great weather - he had to work and I don't think that really bothered him! Sherry wanted to check out the store for her little darling, Kali, who will one day, I'm sure, make the trip with us! We had a great time and couldn't believe the treatment these dolls get at the restaurant and the store - they even have a beauty shop and a hospital! The girls loved it and Sherry and I enjoyed everything except the bus trip (Sherry says we'll drive next time).
I couldn't make it through the day without crying or thinking about mom. When I took Ella to the bathroom, they had little holders for the dolls to sit in while you went to the bathroom. I knew mom would have thought they were ridiculous and she would have laughed at them. That got me! The waterworks turned on!
Thanks for checking in and I apologize for it being so long....it's hard writing knowing that mom isn't going to comment. You'll probably find that I'll use this as a form of "therapy" - hope you all don't mind:)
kj
