Bella Takes a Trip

The Composer and I just returned from a wonderful little trip with Bella and Daisy--the spring shopping and restaurant trip that Bella received for Christmas and has waited patiently for.



Bella had gift cash in her purse, and I was enchanted to watch her browse carefully through shop after shop, considering all the merchandise, only to hold on to her money til the very end, when she bought the fanciest, prettiest, girliest doll on record. And some Little Women paper dolls.



This is the purse in question--she always get complimented on its crazy fluffiness (her grandmother crocheted it and lined it in black and white polka dots. Bella found her shoes herself--her first thrift shop triumph).




She indulged me by requesting a stop at this antique store--known to us previously for its vast selection of affordable goodies. I may have picked up a few vintage linens and a large enamel bowl for soaking stained laundry in, and FIVE dead stock vintage cotton sheets still in their wrappers. Maybe.



A beautiful view to enjoy before playing a rousing game of "Mother May I?" on the green hillside.



A streetside bubble machine: always fun!





Cartoons at the hotel, desserts at dinnertime, and a new bathroom to take an extra shower or two in--what could be better? The Composer thought we got our money's worth in hot water.



Just a little more shopping: sour cherry preserves, cheerful dishtowels, rubber gloves with polka-dotted cuffs, and a fig-scented candle . . .



Treats!