Chicago and an American Girl Birthday Celebration

Kaelyn, What a great weekend! This weekend might have been planned just for you, but it has proven to be a fantastic time for all of us. I can't remember when I have laughed so much. I know you are old enough to remember some things for yourself, but I want to share some highlights I think were worth remembering. The fun started right at the train station. Kassandra and you picked up right where you left off last time and even made new friends right off. Remember Sarah, the young lady who was going alone to visit her friends in Chicago. Remember how she found you on the train and sat right down in the floor with you and started reading your books to you. That was quite a compliment for you girls. You were having so much fun, this college girl who was at least 12 to 15 years older than you, wanted to spend time with you later. We should have gotten more information from her so we could share some of our photos. I think she was just one of God's angels he sends our way sometimes. Then there was the older lady (even older than Gramma) who was quite impressed with the way you girls presented yourselves. I was very proud of you. Then what about that train ride. Wasn't that just awesome? The food wasn't so great, but it was still fun making our way from car to car to get to the dining area. Just like in the movies! The conductor was also quite impressed with your good behavior and smiling faces. It shows in the pictures we captured. Getting that little 'power nap' before we arrived was a good idea, even though you looked like little homeless children lying there on the floor of the train. The bus drive to the hotel was a little less than exciting, but our hotel made up for it. What about that view! Waking to the sunrises over the water in the mornings put us in a good mood right from the beginning of the day. Shopping at the American Girl Store was unbelievable. I think Miss Cindy, Nana, Mama, and me had as much, if not more, fun as you and Kassandra. It brought out that little girl in us that we hadn't seen in a while. But it is always there. You should always hang on to that little part down inside of us that never grows up. And what was up with all of that food we had at your birthday brunch! Good thing we did a lot of walking. And a lot of walking is an understatement (my thighs are still sore). I wish we knew how many miles we walked over those 2 days. And once again, Kassandra and you handled it like real troopers. You didn't complain and hung right in there every step of the way. And then there was Navy Pier. Thank you so much for keeping me calm while riding that giant ferris wheel. Wasn't that just too cool? I can't repeat every event, but I want you to know that this was certainly a memorable weekend for me. I hope as we both grow older, you'll always find a little time to share a weekend with me. Even when it is you who has to help me. But most importantly I hope you loved this enough to remember to do these things with your own daughter/granddaughter someday. Sharing so much laughter with family and good friends is definitely the priceless part of this trip. When you have laughed so much your jaws hurt, you know it has been a good time. And it was a healing time for me. After all, laughter is the best medicine. I love you so much. I know I say that a lot, but that is one phrase I don't think you can say too many times. Especially when it comes straight from the heart! Don't forget to look at the pictures in the slide show. In addition to Kaelyn and Kassandra, I want to thank Regina, Barbara, and Cindy for such a wonderful weekend. We did pretty good ourselves. Six people in one hotel suite can get pretty 'cozy' and I don't remember one time when any of us had an issue. Thanks girls! Next post will be Reed's 1st birthday!! Can't wait to see him (Michael and Jessica, too). Seems like he changes so much in between visits.