HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY CHRISTEN!!!

August 31, 2001 Christen Lyn Backes was born!

Look at that black hair and look at her now!

Christen just donated her blond hair to Locks of Love!

This is Christen with Kit Kittredge and her new doll Ruthie Smithens, who is Kit's best friend!

These girls grew up during the Great Depression.

Christen loves to read the books from the era of her dolls. The Really Truly Ruthie book tells the story of Ruthie: she's loyal and generous, and she loves fairy tales! When her father, a banker, has to call in unpaid loans from Kit's family, Ruthie finds a way to help that protects her friend's pride.

In Happy Birthday Kit, Kit wishes she could have a grand birthday party, but there's no money to spare since Dad lost his job. When Aunt Millie arrives with all her "waste not, want not" ideas, she suggests a Penny-Pincher Party. Kit isn't so sure about it, but she discovers that family is worth more than all the money in the world------and happiness really can be homemade.

Jodi and Christen took the train to NYC on Sunday and went to the American Girl Store so Christen could purchase Ruthie with her birthday money. It was their first trip to the American Girl Store, had perfect weather and a wonderful day in the city!!

Happy Birthday Christen!

Love You!

Granny & Pa