A little tradition never hurt anyone...

See that girl right there next to me? Ain't she beautiful?? 

She is a shopper and she likes to shop with her Momma! Makes me feel all special inside....

Ever since she was old enough we started the tradition of just me and her going to Peoria. We go at least two times a year, sometimes more! We tend to always go in February or March and then in August or September. It's not set in stone or anything, that's just the way it works out.

One day she asked to go and if it could be our thing and it stuck.  And boy do I ever look forward to it! We have fun =) 

We always have lunch at Olive Garden.

We don't always take pictures of my gaping mouth...You're welcome.

BUT we do always get the same thing...Soup (Zuppa Tuscana), Salad, Breadsticks and water w/ lemon. We usually spend a good hour just at Olive Garden. Talking, talking and talking.  Without fail we go to Kohl's and Gordman's. Sometimes we hit the mall. Sometimes Burlington Coat Factory-even though that unorganized place drives me completely BATTY.  We are just spontaneous like that :)

Here is our loot! Can you tell who's is whose???

Sometimes we go on a weekend, other times I will pull her out of school and go on a weekday. It just depends on our budget, the weather and if we are totally geared up to go...like...NOW! I have no remorse from ever pulling her from school or any school activity to spend one on one time with me or any other family member for that matter. It is something I have always done and something I will continue to do. Has she gotten flack for it? You betcha. Have I gotten flack? You're darn right I have. But you know what? I don't care. And neither does she. It's about us and our time. If we don't take it when we can then that would just be ridiculous. 

Don't ever let schooling interfere with your education. 

I once read that somewhere.
Isn't it just the best?
I love it. 

I also love that girl of mine. <3