In the first 12 hours we were in Chicago, we visited American Girl Place four times. Does that let you know how much my girls enjoy it? And yes, we went back the next day also, and again Monday. Truly, to walk through there with the girls is just about like taking them to Disneyland. They are in awe and happy to look, and look, and look.

I had made a deal with Caroline that she could get a "Just Like Me" doll. Yes, I realize how close to Christmas it is. Yes, I am a push over. I would rather buy a doll than deal with a war between the girls. And believe me, it would be a war. It's a long story...but here it is in short. The Bitty Baby that we have was originally Caroline's. She got it for her second birthday, the last time we were in Chicago. Once she outgrew it, Elise was old enough to enjoy it, so she took possession of it. When Caroline realized we were going to Chicago, home of American Girl, as she puts it, she was wanting to reclaim Bitty. To save the war from beginning, I made a deal for an early Christmas present and several weeks of her allowance (that I still owed to her...I can never seem to stay caught up with their allowance!)So, the first thing we did once we got to the city, was go to American Girl Place. That was the first of many trips over our 4 day stay.

 Caroline in awe looking at all of the outfits. She couldn't stop smiling. She saw me get the camera out, so she sucked in her cheeks to keep from smiling.

She loved "Julie" and all of her accessories, especially her bed. That's what she asked Santa for. She loved it in the catalog, but once she saw it in the store, she had to pass by and stare every time we went in (which was MANY times.)

Caroline showing off her new doll, appropriately named "Elizabeth".  

Elise looking into the window, in awe.