Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011

Memories: priceless

For the past few years, Laurel has asked me approximately 45,676 times to take her to an American Girl doll store.

But I have always found an excuse to say no to the out-of-state trip - from wanting to save money to being too busy.

In my recent sentimental moments surrounding Laurel's 10th birthday, I realized that very soon Laurel would lose interest in her dolls and I would regret not splurging on the trip. A few weekends ago, we headed up I-95 to Washington, D.C., with my minivan loaded up with her four dolls, a suitcase full of tiny shoes and clothes, and a few outfits for ourselves.

While I definitely took the trip for Laurel, I have to admit that I had as much fun as she did.

We spent the afternoon watching her dolls get their hair done, spent her birthday money on doll clothes that cost more than my own clothes and ate dinner while the dolls sat at the table in their high chairs (with their own tea cups, of course).

But my favorite part of the trip was seeing the huge smile on my daughter's face as she blew out the candles on a giant pink birthday cake while the entire restaurant sang to her.

As we walked out of the store many hours later - loaded with shopping bags - she grabbed my hand and told me she would remember the afternoon for the rest of her life. And I know that I will also.