Meet Mandy and Jenny

After our pilgrimmage to American Girl, Molly has been rather obsessed with getting a Molly doll.

Since I'm a mean, horrible mommy and think that a $100 doll is not really the most appropriate toy for a 4-1/2 year old, I've tried to come up with an alternative.

Enter Mandy and Jenny.

Mandy and Jenny were my two most favorite dolls growing up. I took Many everywhere. My mom sewed a ton of clothes for them both - including super cool sleeping bags! And when I hit the age of "I'm too old for dolls," my mom lovingly packed them away.

Fast-forward to two weeks ago. After the 15th chorus of "I REALLY want a Molly doll!" I took Molly downstairs for the big unveiling. As Molly watched with great anticipation as I lifted down the box and removed the lid. The look on her face was like Christmas day - hands clasped at her chest... "Oh, Mommy - were these your dollies? What are their names?"

After we looked at all their clothes, we got them dressed - then Molly introduced them to all her other friends: the elephant herd, Dolly, Baby Maddie, Chompers, Panda... the whole crew. It was too sweet.

And it's so much fun to play dolls with her - remembering how much fun I had with them... seeing how much fun she's having with them now.

Our Chicago Adventure - Part 3

When last we left our happy travelers, they had just seen Sue the T. Rex, gone swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's hotel, and enjoyed a GREAT dinner...

On the last full day of their visit to Chicago, the most special, most exciting event was planned: lunch at American Girl Place. Unfortunately, Eleanore had to head home to Milwaukee for play practice, so it was Molly, Mommy, Grandma, Julie, Morgan, and Lindsey.

AGP (as we lovingly call it) had moved into Water Tower Place recently, so we hadn't seen the new place. It is BEAUTIFUL, with a little city main street with shops and a Sweet Treat store, leading you to the cafe.

We had a wonderful, very special lunch. All the girls borrowed dolls to join us (since Morgan's and Lindsey's were getting their hair done at the salon and Molly doesn't have a doll yet... although not for lack of asking that day). The girls really enjoyed asking the discussion questions at the table and it was fun to hear the answers Mom and Julie shared.

Molly kept reminding me that she REALLY wanted a Molly doll... so that's our first official entry on the 2009 Christmas list.