Thanks for the memories

Wow - has it really been that long ago since I posted?? Sorry. Work took over my life once we returned from GA, so I've been playing catch up. Now it's time to catch up here.

We had a wonderful time on Fall Break with my brother and sister-in-law. Lots of time for play and rest, with only 2 "must do's:" Georgia Aquarium (in Atlanta) and the American Girl Store. We spent the first 2 days literally laying around the house, chatting, playing video games, watching tv and dvds and just being us. At night it was time in the hot tub and roasting marshmallows and making smores by the fire pit. It may sound sad that we were electronic happy, but truth be told, my girls were extremely busy during the first quarter of school and did not, I repeat, did NOT have much tv and game time. Radio was there electronic gadget of choice... and that was at night, during homework, and waking up and getting ready for school.

The third day we went to the Georgia Aquarium. It was very nice (not as nice as Shedd Aquariuam but nicer than Newport Aquarium) with different exhibits. They have a manta ray (very cool to see) and whale sharks (largest fish in the world). A loved all the exhibits, although there wasn't as much "educational" reading as there was at Shedd, so we were able to move through the exhibits fairly quickly. (At Shedd she read EVERY sign at each tank. We finally had to stop her or we would never have been able to leave!) C found a friend (one of the volunteers) who told her all about the whale sharks, which she gladly shared with my mom and I. They have a huge room with floor to ceiling windows to watch the ocean tank with the whale sharks and manta ray. It was awesome!

The fourth and final day we hung around the house until late afternoon and then headed with dear sis-in-law to the local mall to visit the American Girl Store. A really enjoyed the store in Chicago. She had a blast wandering around the store, checking out the dolls and accessories. Dear sis-in-law (and my dear brother although he couldn't join us) wanted to do something nice for each of the girls. She was as excited as A was and they had a ball running around the store, checking things out. A ended up leaving with a bed and jammies for her doll Marisol. She is now officially "addicted" to the accessories and is looking to add to her dolls' room at Christmas! Then C got to shop at her fav store, getting her an outfit for her first school dance of the year.

We had a wonderful time in Georgia with my brother and sis-in-law. They've already invited us back for a week this summer. We're already looking forward to it!

Oh - I almost forgot! C was asked at the aquarium gift shop to be a secret shopper. She had to buy her stuff with a $20 and when receiving her change say it was for $50 not $20. I helped her (she was a little scared to do it on her own), but she did a great job, as did the cashier. The reward for being sneaky? 10% off her purchase (which included a Christmas present for her little sister). Way to go, C!